“Simply because how they’re marketed, how they’re produced, and how there’s a lack of knowledge of these chemicals,” says McClelland.
The product is often called synthetic marijuana. Captain Dale Brown with HPD’s Narcotics Division says it makes some people think it’s not dangerous. But the two substances aren’t related in any way.
“Respiratory problems, hallucinations and psychosis, seizures, loss of conciousness, death. How many of those do you associate with marijuana?” asks Brown.
HPD says when it comes to volume, they seize more designer drugs than any other illegal substance, second to marijuana.
In the effort to get the public involved, the department has launched a new website where people can give anonymous tips about designer drug sales.