Officials in Mississippi are concerned over the growing use of synthetic marijuana and the health hazards it poses.

    Since Thursday night, 33 people have been treated at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s emergency room for symptoms associated with the use of “spice,” hospital officials state in a press release.

    That number could go up given that on Monday more patients suspected of overdosing on spice sought treatment at the ER, according to the press release.

    Spice is comprised of a mixture of herbs that is smoked and produces a effect similar to that of marijuana. Officials warn, however, the use of spice can be deadly.

    Law enforcement officials across the country have warned that the use of spice, which cannot be detected in a drug test, is spreading.

    Locally, authorities in Neshoba County said seven people suspected of using spice have been hospitalized.

    “Three young people were taken to the county hospital after apparently smoking spice together,” Neshoba County Sheriff Tommy Waddell said. “Two were released and one was in critical condition but has since improved.”     

    Philadelphia Police Chief Grant Myers said four people suspected of overdosing on spice were hospitalized there during a five-day period.     

    A Neshoba County General Hospital press release states in the past two weeks the hospital has treated 11 patients for symptoms associated with the use of the synthetic marijuana. Some were treated and released, while others were admitted to hospital.     

    Spice is often sold in convenience stores in brightly colored packets under different names, such as K-2, herbal incense, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, Scooby Snax, Skunk or Moon Rocks.

    Jesse Fairchild, an agent with the East Mississippi Drug Task Force, said calling spice synthetic marijuana is misleading because it is nothing like marijuana and its use can be fatal.

    “Spice is actually ground up plant material sprayed with chemicals,” Fairchild said. “Lots of those chemicals come from overseas. The high and the way it affects the body is nothing like marijuana.”

    Lawmakers are having a difficult time controlling spice. As soon as chemicals used to make the drug are banned, manufactures change the drug to skirt the law, Fairchild said.

    “The EMDTF is doing everything in their power, along with law enforcement, to educate the public and get this stuff off the shelves and out of the stores that are selling it,” Fairchild said. “We are trying to keep it out of the hands of our youth.”

     Fairchild said spice doesn’t have an odor so parents need to pay close attention to their children’s behavior. Some symptoms of spice use are rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, hallucinations and cold sweats. Use of the drug can also cause agitation and aggression or seizures.

    The UMMC press release said one puff of spice can potentially put someone in a coma.

    For more information, contact the Mississippi Regional Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.