EXPERT’S CORNER: DEA’s ban on K2 reflects its dangers

By Jim Fessenden
UMass Medical School Communications

Today, the Drug Enforcement Agency has banned, for at least a year, K2, spice and other fake pot substances that use chemicals to purportedly replicate the effects of marijuana. Christopher Rosenbaum, MD, assistant professor of emergency medicine, a toxicologist and an expert on K2, has seen firsthand what happens when people consume the substance.

“We are seeing people presenting to the emergency room with agitation, anxiety, high blood pressure, high heart rates and vomiting,” said Dr. Rosenbaum. “Symptoms can vary. They can present with no symptoms all the up to people who are very sick and unresponsive.”

Watch the full interview with Rosenbaum.