
Syracuse, N.Y. — Onondaga County health officials on Tuesday urged caution to residents after reports that fentanyl-laced synthetic marijuana, known as spike, is being sold locally.
The health department said spike is often sold illegally at convenience stores and gas stations. Some spike products are marketed as naturally grown marijuana.
Signs of a spike overdose include a loss of consciousness, slow breathing, extreme drowsiness, blue or gray lips, pinpoint pupils and more.
The health department is urging people to use fentanyl test strips if they buy synthetic marijuana.
“By testing with an FTS, the person using drugs can make an informed choice about their use by potentially choosing to use a different batch, using less of the current batch, using in the presence of others, and making sure naloxone is on hand,” officials said in a news release.
Anyone in need of test strips or naloxone can get them free of charge by calling or texting the county health department’s confidential request line at 315-418-5365.
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Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him at [email protected]