Surge in synthetic pot illness in Lake Area
About 45 people have been brought to area hospitals since Friday after ingesting synthetic marijuana, authorities said.
Lake Charles police Lt. Richard Harrell said it is “a disturbing trend developing in the Lake Area.”
He said officers have handled 30 incidents in which a person has ingested synthetic marijuana and entered into an unconscious state shortly thereafter.
Harrell said Acadian Ambulance reported they have transported about 45 people to local hospitals since Friday and that Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Manuco’s office has handled similar calls.
Harrell said synthetic marijuana was made illegal in 2010.
“It comes packaged under various brand names such as ‘K2’ and ‘Spice’ however the new brands and possibly the ones causing the health concern are called ‘Bubblegum’ and ‘Gumbo,’ ” he said. “It seems there are additional dangers to this already dangerous substance.”