Beware of synthetic cannabinoids

Marijuana users are tonight being warned about the presence of two potentially deadly drugs that are being mistaken for weed.

The two substances are called synthetic cannabinoids because they mimic the biological effect of t-h-c, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana or cannabis.

They were discovered by the Forensics Sciences Centre after local videos surfaced showing individuals using a drug with severe side effects. A sample of what appeared to be vegetable matter was handed over to officials by a member of the public for testing.

Director of the Centre, Cheryl Corbin, revealed the findings of the tests during a press briefing this morning. Synthetic Cannabinoids are substances made in a lab using chemicals that are unfit for human consumption. Ms Corbin has warned the symptoms of using them include seizures, sudden collapse, involuntary muscle spasms, catatonia and increased violence. Because of their potency and the inability to tell how much a person is using, Ms. Corbin says just one use can be lethal.

Home Affairs and Information Minister, Wilfred Abrahams, says the development is a serious cause for concern. Authorities are concerned people may unknowingly take these drugs believing it to be marijuana.

While acknowledging it is still illegal in Barbados, marijuana users are being encouraged to be careful who they purchase it from and not to let others prepare it for use. 

As for how to spot the synthetic cannabinoids, officials say the telltale signs are a lack of seeds, stalks and smell in the vegetable matter.

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