Pale zombie hand holding a bag of synthetic drugs.

Synthetics

Synthetic drugs are an important issue in DC.

During the summer of 2015, a series of violent crimes and hospitalizations were associated with the use of K2, a synthetic drug created to mimic the “high” that is associated with marijuana. With the latest violence and uptick in emergency room visits associated with synthetics, it’s more important than ever for adults to learn about the dangers and effects of synthetic drugs.

So, what are synthetic drugs? Synthetic drugs are chemical blends that mirror the effects of other well-known drugs like marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine. Fake weed, bath salts, and Molly are all common synthetic drugs that are extremely harmful and unsafe for people to consume or ingest by smoking, drinking or eating.

Young man in handcuffs.

In May of 2014, synthetic marijuana cases
spiked in the District. In the month of May,
the DC Fire and EMS department saw

439 cases

involving the synthetic drug.

Mature woman comforting her husband in the Emergency Room.

Want to share the dangers of synthetic drugs
with a loved one?