Wen issues warning after fake weed gives four Marylanders extreme bleeding (Baltimore Fishbowl)

There’s a reason Baltimore City banned stores from selling so-called synthetic marijuana in 2016. The substance, often branded as “K2” or “Spice” and sold at gas stations and corner stores, is usually made with a potpourri of leaves and various unknown chemicals designed to mirror marijuana’s effects. It’s been known to induce severe physical problems, such as heart attacks, kidney failure and extreme bleeding.

In light of the synthetic weed scare, Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued a reminder and a warning about the stuff on Tuesday. She noted three of Maryland’s four cases have been patients from the Baltimore area.

“Synthetic cannabinoids have been touted as natural, but are extremely dangerous because they contain untested chemical compounds that can have devastating effects for users,” Wen said in a statement. “Scientists call taking these substances ‘playing Russian Roulette,’ because the user does not know what one is ingesting, and that substance could harm or kill.”

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When I’ve asked experts about these approaches, it’s not that any of them are bad. It’s that they fall short. For instance, Leana Wen, the former health commissioner of Baltimore (and soon-to-be president of Planned Parenthood), said that the Support for Patients and Communities Act “is simply tinkering around the edges.”

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