Posts Tagged marijuana

Danger Exists from Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Danger Exists from Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids

The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Medical Association cautions the public about the hazards associated with the use and the risk to the public from synthetic cannabinoids also known as synthetic marijuana.

Users of the synthetic mixtures typically experience symptoms that include rapid heart rate, nausea and vomiting, agitation, confusion, sleepiness, hallucinations, kidney and respiratory problems.

The designer drug substances consist of dried plant material sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids and any mixture of other unknown chemicals including pesticides and rat poison. The chemical compounds reportedly stimulate the same brain areas affected by marijuana, and they have a high potential for abuse. These synthetic drugs are very dangerous and can be deadly said Dr. Karen Landers, pediatrician and Assistant State Health Officer.

“Responses to these chemicals can be unpredictable. People have experienced coma, kidney failure, and heart attacks just to mention some of the effects experienced by users. Please do not take the risk by using these products,” Dr. Landers stated.

Hundreds of different variants are marketed under names that include “Spice,” “K2,” “Spice Gold,” “Sence,” “Genie,” “Zohai,” “Yucatan Fire,” “Smoke,” “Sexy Monkey,” “Black Mamba” and “Skunk.”

The possession or sale of chemical compounds typically found in these synthetic substances is unlawful.

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Official Statement on Legalization of Non-FDA Approved Marijuana Substances

Official Statement on Legalization of Non-FDA Approved Marijuana Substances

March 18, 2016 – “The use of marijuana for the treatment of various symptoms of diseases is an evolving discussion in this state and nation. Two years ago, the Alabama Legislature wisely decided and the Medical Association supported putting the discussion surrounding the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of neurologic conditions in children to the test by establishing and funding a strictly controlled drug trial. The preliminary results of that study indicate promise for more widespread use of CBD in patients. The exact CBD drug itself and dosages administered to patients in this drug trial were strictly regulated to ensure the safety of those involved. As physicians, our Hippocratic Oath demands we ‘first, do no harm.’ As well, the practice of medicine is evidence-based whereby the treatments and procedures we use are extensively researched and tested to make certain they are as safe as possible for the patients under our care. Given these bedrocks of the medical profession, the Medical Association cannot support the expansion or legalization, whether by legislation or ballot initiative, of marijuana or marijuana products in any form that have not received the same FDA approval as other medicinal compounds. Taking any position otherwise would not be based on scientific evidence and could unnecessarily place patients at risk.”

– Buddy Smith, M.D., president, Medical Association of the State of Alabama

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