DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- State drug control officials are warning residents about a new substance marketed as fake or synthetic marijuana and say it already is responsible for the death of one central Iowa teen.
The Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy said Wednesday that caution should be taken with the substance, which is sold under the labels "Spice" and "K2." Iowa Drug Policy Coordinator Gary Kendall says he will ask the governor and state Legislature to ban the substances in Iowa.
Kendall says the substances could cause anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, hallucinations and seizures. Experts say the substances are legal, but federal drug authorities have labeled them "drugs and chemicals of concern." They are banned in three states.
Kendell urges Iowans to educate themselves about synthetic marijuana by going to the lODCP website. Iowans with concerns about someone smoking “Spice” or other similar products should immediately call the Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center toll-free hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
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