Downtown officers have become increasingly concerned about recent synthetic marijuana use among some who congregate in the upper end of State St.

Wednesday afternoon, two were arrested near a bus shelter for dealing or using hazardous substances. They were sharing a “cigarette” that one admitted was “Spice.” That is one of many names given to herbs that have been sprayed with lab-created chemicals.

When smoked, synthetic marijuana is said to give users a stronger high than what they would get from using real marijuana.  Researchers have learned ingesting such chemicals can lead to seizures, hallucinations, convulsions, and extreme psychological problems.

Downtown officers have observed this firsthand, having witnessed strange, sometimes violent behavior, seizures, and in one case, a heart attack.

The arrested men purchased products at local businesses. They are often sold as“herbal incense” and packages contain labels indicating contents are “not for human consumption.”

One arrestee indicated he is well aware of the dangers and warnings, but said he is hooked and that the addiction is similar to crack cocaine.

Last year, the MPD held an educational news conference regarding synthetic marijuana use, and how local law enforcement agencies are working together to try to stem sales.