(Spirit Lake)– It’s referred to in several names, such as spice, herbs, bath salts, k-2, and even skunk…to name a few. We’re talking about synthetic marijuana, which is making its presence known locally.
Mary Sloan of Compass Pointe Behavioral Health Services tells KUOO news the various names for it are appropriate, as it often resembles spices or ground up leaves. It’s often smoked, but can also be ingested in beverages.
Sloan says it isn’t so much the ground up plant material that’s the concern, but the fact that it’s sprayed with certain chemicals…often times ones that cannot be identified…Click here for sound bite
Sloan says they are definitely seeing an increased presence in synthetic marijuana locally. She’s urging parents to be aware of the situation, and to have very close communication with their children. And while it may seem extreme, she says it’s important to know what your kids are doing online and on their smart phones. And Sloan offers this advice if you do suspect something…Click here for sound bite
Sloan says what’s also very concerning about synthetic marijuana is the fact that it’s very easy to get a hold of locally. She says teens don’t just have to get on the internet or their smart phone to get it…Click here for sound bite
Compass Pointe Behavioral Health has offices in Spirit Lake, Spencer and Estherville. The number for the Spirit Lake office is 336-5281.
