FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Shirley Schuler, 313-922-5000 x 14 shirley@michiganalliance.org

Christian Fuller, 313-922-5000 x21 christian@michiganalliance.org

Regional leaders speak about efforts to stop of sale of Synthetic Drugs

DETROIT  June 29, 2012  Beginning July 1, 2012, Michigan will officially join the increasing number of states that have taken aggressive action against the availability of synthetic marijuana and bath salt chemicals. The new state law will prohibit the use, possession, and distribution of the synthetic drug. Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive along with Crime Stoppers, Wayne County Sheriffs Office, Wayne County Health & Human Services, Michigan Food and Beverage Association, Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA), City of Detroit Bureau of Substance Abuse and representatives from the Michigan Regional Poison Control Center (PCC) will be in attendance supporting the drug ban.

Synthetic marijuana is a mixture of dried herbs and spices sprayed with chemicals that, when smoked, create a high similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It is sold under brand names like K2, Spice, Genie, and Bliss and labeled as incense, potpourri, or herbal smoking blend. Side effects include elevated heart rates and blood pressure, drowsiness, hallucinations, seizures, shaking, vomiting, paranoia, loss of physical control and sometimes death.

In 2011, The Childrens Hospital of Michigan Regional Poison Control Center (PCC) reported more than 6,900 cases in the US and 224 in Michigan. Most cases are among teens, 11% of US high school seniors reported using synthetic marijuana.

Residents are encouraged to make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers with information regarding businesses and individuals distributing or using these synthetic drugs.

The Michigan Regional Poison Control Center (PCC) can also be contacted about suspected cases at 1-800-222-1222.

For individuals residing in the City of Detroit in need of substance abuse help for problems related to synthetic marijuana or treatment services can contact the City of Detroit Bureau of Substance Abuse at 1-800-467-2452. Anyone needing treatment services in Wayne and Monroe counties, excluding the City of Detroit, should contact the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) at 1-800-686-6543. If immediate help is needed you should go to your local emergency department.

Additional information about synthetic marijuana can be found on the US Drug Enforcement Administration website at http://www.justice.gov/dea/.