Synthetic cannabis is getting New Yorkers dangerously high and making them gravely ill, with more than a dozen people hospitalized in the past few days after smoking the imitation pot, city officials said.
The marijuana-like substance has left 15 people with “severe adverse effects” since Thursday, causing reactions including seizures and hallucinations, according to the NYC’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Faux-marijuana products were made illegal in 2012 and include many dangerous chemicals and ingredients.
They are sold on the street by names such as K2 and Spice.
“K2, Spice, Green Giant — no matter what you call it, synthetic cannabinoids are dangerous and illegal,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett.
“I urge people not to use these products, which have caused a huge spike in emergency-room visits,” she said.
There has been a 220 percent increase in emergency-department visits related to synthetic weed this year, the department said.
The recent hospitalizations have been concentrated in the neighborhoods of of East Harlem, Central Harlem and Chelsea.