The New York State Department of Health has issued a warning about synthetic cannabinoids, found to contain opioids.Health officials say the combination is rare, but can dramatically increase the risk of overdose and death. Two contaminated samples of synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as K2 or Spice, were confirmed at a convenience store in the Mohawk Valley. Lab toxicology showed the samples were contaminated with five novel psychoactive substances, including two potent novel synthetic opioids.”Synthetic cannabinoids should never be confused for legally sold cannabis,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “These synthetic cannabinoids often contain harmful substances, that have a range of effects from euphoria to causing extreme anxiety, disorientation, hallucinations, and psychosis. However, it is rare to find opioids in the product and this new addition can cause overdose or even death.” The two synthetic cannabinoid products that were tested by the health department’s drug checking program and found to have contaminants were in packaging labeled “Gorilla Glue Bags.” But health officials say this warning is not limited to that label because synthetic cannabinoid products can be purchased in bulk and repackaged individually in a variety of ways. The Department is reminding New Yorkers that naloxone can be an effective antidote for opioid overdose, including synthetic opioids and should be used for any suspected overdose.
The New York State Department of Health has issued a warning about synthetic cannabinoids, found to contain opioids.
Health officials say the combination is rare, but can dramatically increase the risk of overdose and death.
Advertisement
Two contaminated samples of synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as K2 or Spice, were confirmed at a convenience store in the Mohawk Valley. Lab toxicology showed the samples were contaminated with five novel psychoactive substances, including two potent novel synthetic opioids.
“Synthetic cannabinoids should never be confused for legally sold cannabis,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.
“These synthetic cannabinoids often contain harmful substances, that have a range of effects from euphoria to causing extreme anxiety, disorientation, hallucinations, and psychosis. However, it is rare to find opioids in the product and this new addition can cause overdose or even death.”
The two synthetic cannabinoid products that were tested by the health department’s drug checking program and found to have contaminants were in packaging labeled “Gorilla Glue Bags.” But health officials say this warning is not limited to that label because synthetic cannabinoid products can be purchased in bulk and repackaged individually in a variety of ways.
The Department is reminding New Yorkers that naloxone can be an effective antidote for opioid overdose, including synthetic opioids and should be used for any suspected overdose.
