Synthetic pot poses health risks

To the editor:
There has been a great deal of media attention given to synthetic marijuana in recent months. More than 100 different synthetic marijuanas have been created, but products such as K2 and Spice Gold seem to be becoming increasingly popular among our nation’s youth.
In fact, juvenile probation counselors in neighboring counties report that approximately 20 percent of their youth self-report that they have used synthetic marijuana. In these counties, police reports and ambulance runs have increased as a result of physical complications from these products.
Indiana leads the nation in reported cases of synthetic marijuana poisonings.
The state and national poison centers report physical emergencies that surround synthetic marijuana use such as: tachycardia or rapid heart beat, agitation, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, headache, hypertension, nausea, electrolyte imbalances, seizures, and dizziness. When you take  these drugs you are affecting the pat of the brain responsible for temperature control, food intake, perception, memory, and problem solving.
Therefore, the physical and social consequences of taking these products could be extremely detrimental to your health.
Tests show that even the same brand of one of these products may contain different drugs in varying amounts. Until a drug is tested, it cannot be considered safe.
Not only have synthetic marijuanas not been tested, nearly all of these products were created for experimental use in animals and are not recommended for human consumption.
Because synthetic marijuana is new, it remains legal in many states, including Indiana. However, states such as Kansas have already passed laws banning the sale of these products. County and city officials are considering the need for this type of legislation here in Jay County as well.
Sherry Rowles
Jay County Hospital
Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition

Hurray Mike
To the editor:
It’s been a while since school started, and I hope all is going well for Mike Eads.
I’m not sure if we should be thanking God or Pastor Kelly for giving you the opportunity to continue what you should be doing at General Shanks.
It’s great that you have been able to rise above all that you have been put through.
You were cleared of all charges by law enforcement, and still the school board and Dr. Long couldn’t back you.
It sure raises a lot of questions as to why not. Makes you wonder if this has caused the rest of the teachers to beware, meaning if they make a mistake, get out of line, or even get accused of something they know in their heart and soul they didn’t do, they can’t count on Dr. Long and the school board to back them.
Million dollar question!
Will they get thrown under the bus or be forced out?
Well, for what it’s worth, I think the Christian Academy has gained with hiring you and I and many others wish you all the best.
Penny Imel
Portland[[In-content Ad]]