Teens Overdosing on New LSD-Like Drug
You’ve probably heard of K2 by now, or the synthetic marijuana that also goes by the name “spice” that was allegedly a safer alternative to marijuana. However, K2 was banned in Michigan in June 2012, and many other states have done the same because of its dangerous side effects. Now there is a new synthetic drug entering the market, one that mimics LSD and is typically sprayed on pieces of colorful blotter paper that users ingest. Three teenage girls in Virginia were recently sent to the hospital after suffering severe side effects after taking it. One of those girls that took synthetic LSD was as young as 13, and the oldest was 18. Now, authorities are concerned about the spread of this new “designer drug” and are looking for ways to curtail its use before it takes off in popularity.
Synthetic LSD: A Dangerous New Drug
Synthetic LSD, which also goes by the names 25i, Nbomb, and Smiles gives users a similar high as to that one would experience from taking LSD. Authorities are unclear as to where teens are accessing synthetic LSD, but warn parents that they should be on the lookout for a brown powdery substance or unusual behaviors. Individuals on 25i will typically experience hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and may become aggressive and violent. Other side effects of using 25i include nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Last year the DEA labeled synthetic LSD as a Class I narcotic, or those drugs with a high rate of dependence and potential for abuse.
Drug More Potent Than Other Hallucinogenic Compounds
The DEA says that synthetic LSD is sold illegally online for $5-$10 and is more potent than other hallucinogenic compounds. The agency has made synthetic LSD illegal for at least the next two years, but this isn’t stopping teens from accessing the drug. As with other synthetic “designer” drugs, there is no standard manufacturing process, so potency can vary widely by batch which increases the risk of accidental overdose. The agency says that at least 19 Americans between the ages of 15-29 died from using synthetic LSD between 2012 and 2013.
