Cluster of Synthetic Cannabinoid (K2)-related Adverse Events and Emergency Department (ED) Visits in New Haven, Connecticut
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is issuing an advisory to Rhode Island healthcare providers in the wake of a string of overdoses in New Haven, Connecticut associated with the synthetic cannabinoid known as “K2.” The overdoses took place between August 14th and August 16th. Although synthetic cannabinoids have been identified in Rhode Island in the past, none of these recent overdoses took place in Rhode Island. This advisory is being issued to Rhode Island healthcare providers as a precaution.
These chemicals are called cannabinoids because they act on the same brain cell receptors as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient in marijuana; however, synthetic cannabinoids may affect the brain in different and unpredictable ways compared to marijuana.
Details about these recent synthetic cannabinoid-related overdoses in New Haven
- More than 80 individuals were treated after reportedly using the synthetic cannabinoid known as K2. None of the overdoses were fatal.
- The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) confirmed that the individuals who were tested were positive for synthetic cannabinoids: 5F-ABD, 5F-MDMB-PINACA.
- The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) confirmed that the individuals who were tested were negative for opioids such as fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (e.g., acetylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, and/or carfentanil). However, some of the individuals who used these supplies of K2 may have an opioid use disorder (OUD).
- Some overdose victims overdosed multiple times from these supplies of K2.
- The New Haven Police Department and the DEA are continuing to work on these cases and believe they have identified the source(s) of K2.
Information about synthetic cannabinoids from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Synthetic cannabinoids are not one drug; they are comprised of hundreds of different synthetic cannabinoid chemicals. New cannabinoids are often illegally manufactured and come with unknown health risks. Synthetic cannabinoids are popular because users often believe they are legal and relatively safe.
Common names:
- K2
- Monkey
- Spice
- AK-47
- Mr. Happy
- Scooby Snax
- Kush
- Kronic
Synthetic cannabinoids are used in a variety of ways:
- Sprayed onto plant material and smoked
- Mixed into a liquid and vaped in electronic nicotine delivery devices (such as e-cigarettes)
- Added to herbal tea or to food and swallowed
Synthetic cannabinoids are a controlled substance under Rhode Island law and cannot be legally sold in the state.
- The federal government has banned many specific synthetic cannabinoids.
- Recent federal and state laws targeting synthetic cannabinoids have banned general categories of ingredients, rather than specific chemicals.
- Makers of synthetic cannabinoids try to get around these laws by creating new products with different ingredients or by labeling them “not for human consumption.”
Synthetic cannabinoid products are unsafe. It is hard to know what the products contain or what your reaction to them will be. Synthetic cannabinoids can cause severe illness and even death.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Agitation and irritability
- Confusion and concentration problems
- Hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, and violent behavior
- Seizures
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Breathing problems
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Muscle damage
- Kidney failure
- Heart attack, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and stroke
Treatment for people who become ill after using synthetic cannabinoids
People who become ill after using synthetic cannabinoids should seek immediate medical attention. If a healthcare provider is not already present to address the ill symptoms, 911 should be called, or the individual should be brought to the closest Emergency Department.
There is no specific antidote for synthetic cannabinoids, but healthcare professionals can provide supportive treatments, such as oxygen, intravenous fluids, and medications to control seizures, agitation, and nausea.
Rhode Island’s confidential Hope and Recovery Support Line – (401) 942-STOP (7867) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. English and/or Spanish speaking counselors are available to help answer questions and connect callers to local treatment and recovery resources. Visit PreventOverdoseRI.org to learn more about the Support Line and other local services. |
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