According to Monitoring the Future, an ongoing study of American youth conducted by the University of Michigan and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) , daily use of marijuana is at a 30-year peak level among high school seniors — a sharp contrast to the decline reported in the last decade.
But a new drug was added to the study’s coverage in 2011.
One in every nine high school seniors (11.4 percent) reported using synthetic cannabinoids, or synthetic marijuana, in the prior 12 months.
Also known as as “K2” or “spice,” the drug consists of herbs coated with chemicals that mimic the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
As of October, at least 40 states, including Arizona, have banned the sale of synthetic cannabinoids.
Find more facts from NIDA on synthetic marijuana here.
Use of this drug is relatively new. The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported an uptick in calls related to synthetic cannabinoids during 2010.
To help educate parents, community members, law enforcement and healthcare providers, the Arizona affiliate of the Partnership for A Drug-Free America is offering a free lunchtime webinar on synthetic substances.
This free webinar takes place from noon to 1pm on Wednesday, Jan. 11 and will run for about 45 minutes with time for questions at the end.
Presenters include a medical toxicologist and representatives from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
For more information, reach the Partnership at 602-264-5700.
Participants can register by using the following link:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/197247422
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