High on Spice: The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana 2011
Distributed by Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; 800-431-2050
Produced by Anson W. Schloat
Directed by Anson W. Schloat
DVD, color, 14 min.
Jr. High - College
Addiction Studies, Adolescence, Drug Education, Drug Use, Crime, Health Sciences, Synthetic Marijuana, Psychology
Date Entered: 04/22/2011
Reviewed by Sue F. Phelps, Washington State University, Vancouver, WASpice is a synthetic form of marijuana that was sold legally in the United States until December of 2010 when it was banned by the DEA. It consists of a dried plant material that is sprayed with a chemical compound that imitates the effects of marijuana when smoked. The chemical compounds were originally developed to aid in ameliorating the effects of cancer treatment but were never tested on humans. The use of this drug is growing among young people in the 12-17 year old category. In this instructional video, previous users describe their experiences including a terrifying visit to the emergency room when a teen was sure he was going to die. An emergency room doctor tells how the drug was created, how it affects the brain and how euphoria and tolerance is followed by addiction to the chemicals in spice. A narcotics officer warns of the legal consequences of spice use. All participants in the video encourage users of spice to seek help to quit. The doctor stresses that there is research underway about the physical consequences of spice use but that so far the long term effects are unknown.
The video is accompanied by a notebook with learning objectives, a summary of the DVD, a pre/post test with answer key, student activities and fact sheets suitable for class handouts. It is suitable for junior high through young college prevention programs and health classes.