Topic: Synthetic Marijuana

Health officials in Illinois report that synthetic marijuana (K2/Spice) laced with rat poison has caused severe bleeding and at least three deaths. Over 70 people have been hospitalized with symptoms such as coughing up blood and bleeding from the eyes. The hosts warn against the dangers of "fake weed" sold in convenience stores.

A mass overdose of the synthetic drug K2, also known as "Spice," occurred in a Brooklyn neighborhood, resulting in 33 people being hospitalized. The media's use of the term "synthetic marijuana" is criticized as an attempt to discredit natural cannabis. Additionally, the hosts identify a new media catchphrase used in reference to Hillary Clinton: "never getting beyond her skis."

The DEA and federal authorities are linking the sale of synthetic drugs, often called "fake pot" or "spice," to the funding of overseas terrorist organizations in Yemen and Syria. Raids on convenience stores have reportedly seized over $100 million in assets. Critics argue that the connection between "mini-mart" sales and international terrorism is a transparent attempt to use the War on Terror to justify domestic drug enforcement actions.

The pharmaceutical product Marinol, a synthetic form of THC known as dronabinol, is identified as a competitor to natural marijuana. Solvay Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Marinol, was recently acquired by Abbott Labs. The segment suggests that the government's continued crackdown on natural marijuana is intended to protect the market share of patented synthetic alternatives.

The media coverage of Demi Moore's emergency hospitalization is analyzed, specifically the claims that she smoked "spice" or inhaled nitrous oxide. The hosts discuss the chemistry of synthetic marijuana analogs like K2 and suggest that the news reports may inadvertently serve as a promotion for these substances.