Popularity of synthetic marijuana concerns nonprofit group

By Staff Writer

A leading provider of substance abuse treatment in Illinois has expanded its services to meet the increasing trend of teenagers using a drug called K2.

K2, also known by the nicknames Blaze, Spice and Red X Dawn, is a mixture of herbal blends that is coated by synthetic chemicals, then smoked. The substance was banned by the Drug Enforcement Agency on November 30, but before then it was sold legally as packets of incense or potpourri. It gained popularity as an alternative to smoking marijuana.

Despite its ban, the drug still remains a popular and dangerous drug. In response, the nonprofit Gateway Foundation will work closely with healthcare providers, insurance companies, schools, businesses and government agencies to help meet the ever-changing needs of individuals who abuse substances like K2.

A medical official with the Gateway Foundation said that K2 is a synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and it poses risks that are similar to marijuana, such as increased heart rate, hallucinations and paranoia. He warned that it may be more dangerous than marijuana because it is sometimes combined with other dangerous substances during its manufacturing process.

Adolescents who experiment with drugs may benefit from wilderness camps, which aim to promote positive activities and healthy lifestyle choices among troubled teens.