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Synthetic Marijuana Responsible for Hospitalizations, Increasing Drug Arrests

Synthetic Marijuana responsible for hospitalizations

A recent government report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that there were more than 11,000 emergency room visits in U.S. hospitals, related to the use of synthetic marijuana. Precisely, there were 11, 406 visits in 2010.

The study further revealed that 75% of the individuals included in the emergency room visits were between the age of 12 and 29. Males accounted for 78% of the visits for that age group. Nearly 4,000 of the ER visits were 12 to 17 year olds and reportedly 11% of all high school seniors have used synthetic marijuana.

The popularity of synthetic marijuana has escalated over the past few years and is marketed under a variety of intriguing names. For example, Blaze, Hawaiian Hybrid, Dank, Demon Passion Smoke, Puff, K2, Spice, Skunk, Black Mamba, Mr. Smiley and Ninja are a few. The packaging is colorful and attractive, luring young people to make the purchase and try it out.

While synthetic marijuana is banned in 40 states, and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed such a bill for Michigan in June 2012, synthetic marijuana is still readily available over the internet.

In addition to being extremely dangerous, these synthetic drugs are very addictive. Once the addiction begins, the users often tend to graduate to other illegal drugs or escalate their habit. Eventually, they may end up facing arrest and being charged with possession or possession with intent to sell or deliver. The penalties for synthetic marijuana-related crimes are similar to those for regular marijuana.

Another synthetic drug that is still legal in many states, but is included in the Michigan legislation is “bath salts”, which has come under increasing scrutiny due to the reportedly psychotic state it causes in users, and the criminal acts they have committed under the influence, including a gruesome attack on a homeless man in Florida by an alleged perpetrator under the influence of bath salts.

If you or someone you know has been charged with possession of synthetic marijuana or other drugs and are facing criminal charges, you need to speak with a Michigan attorney who is experience in handling drug cases.

Attorney Steven L. Schwartz, at the Law Office of Steven L. Schwartz, comes from a long line of lawyers dating back to his grandfather, who was a criminal defense attorney in Detroit for over 50 years. He has followed in the footsteps of him, his uncle and his father and has been a criminal defense attorney for over two decades.

Contact us through our website or call us direct at (248) 266-8720 for a no obligation consultation. We will fight to help you avoid going to jail, fines and a criminal record.

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