SO gives school employees info on synthetic marijuana

St. Mary Sheriff’s Department Captain John Kahl spoke to St. Mary Parish school administrators recently about the trends in synthetic cannabinoid use that narcotics detectives are seeing in the parish and surrounding areas.
In recent weeks, the sheriff’s department has received multiple medical emergency calls believed to be related to synthetic marijuana use. Adverse reactions witnessed by deputies and detectives are predominantly seizures and severe hallucinations.
Kahl explained that the mixtures of chemicals on the streets today do appear to be physically addictive, comparing the withdrawal symptoms to those of other addictive drugs. Kahl says he doesn’t even like calling it “synthetic marijuana” because what is being sold today nowhere near mimics the high of marijuana.
Kahl, who has been working in law enforcement since 1995, said that he has never seen a drug take hold like synthetic marijuana. The ease in which it can be produced makes it cheap and readily available. Its use has no boundaries.
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office has seen its effect on all age groups and social backgrounds. Kahl has been speaking with other community groups and schools across the parish about the dangers synthetic marijuana use poses to both individuals and the community. Presentations for groups may be scheduled by contacting the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-384-1622.