DEAR DR. GOTT: As a somewhat young senior, I was shocked to hear and view an article on television last evening regarding synthetic marijuana that has caused many very serious problems with our younger citizens. I’ve seen and heard a lot in my 60 years but am shocked because of the ingenuity, if I can call it that, of people who produce it and others who are willing to use it for such a stupid pleasure. What can you tell me about this?

DEAR READER: Well, I’m with you in thinking I’d heard it all, only to find every day brings something new to the forefront. This product marketed as herbal incense has been around since 2006, with other reports indicating it was available in 2002 in Europe. The chemical additive HU-210 is a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the US. Almost a year ago, the Drug Enforcement Agency prohibited its use, [Read more...]