Corrections_Today_May_June_2019

Office of Correctional Health

Correctional Health perspectives

Combatting synthetic drugs in correctional settings series Part 1: Educating Staff

By Randy Shively, Ph.D., Deborah G. Schult, Ph.D., and John Caraway

Introduction A number of illicit synthetic drugs have recently shown up in greater quantities in correctional environ- ments — to the detriment of the individual user, the safety of the other inmates and staff and to the security of the institution. This two-part series will examine the long-and-short term impacts of synthetic drugs on both the body and the brain, along with some of the current strategies that inmates use to smuggle these

substances into facilities. This series will provide cautionary reminders to first responders and discuss the pro- tective equipment needed for a safe response to events where synthetic drug use is anticipated. Synthetic drug misuse spiked between 2010 and 2011 and calls into Poison Control Centers soared past 13,000 in the U.S. In accor- dance with the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012, 15 cannabi- noids, two synthetic cathinones and

nine hallucinogenic drugs were in the 2-C family now listed as Sched- ule 1 substances. 1 K2 K2 is a relatively new and danger- ous synthetic cannabinoid. It is a chemically-engineered substance, producing effects similar to Tetra- hydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana. When a smoker ingests, the high can mimic that of marijuana but often results in more serious reactions. 2 K2 goes by many names, including spice, blaze and black mamba. These cannabinoids are often up to 500 times stronger than THC. It is important to note that these chemicals are not approved for human consumption and are often marketed in deceptive ways. K2 is frequently sold as incense or potpourri in a variety of colors and flavors. It has been sold to children as cotton candy or Scooby Snacks. Most often, K2 is sprayed on dried plant materials like tobacco or tea leaves to

U.S. Marine Corps/courtesy photo

98 — May/June 2019 Corrections Today