A Total of 120 Synthetic Marijuana Deaths Recorded in Texas in Past Week

K2 is a form of synthetic marijuana that is legally sold in smoke shops across the United States. Perhaps that will change after nearly 120 deaths were recorded in Texas over the past five days due to overdoses from the synthetic marijuana.

According to DrugAbuse.gov, the "spice" that was associated with the deaths in Texas consists of a "wide variety of herbal mixtures that produce experiences similar to marijuana and that are marketed as "‘safe' legal alternatives to that drug." Despite being sold in smoke shops, the label reads "not for human consumption."

Doctors told WFAA.com that patients ranged from teenagers to adults in their mid-50s who experienced similar symptoms of psychosis, altered mental status, and abnormal behavior. Authorities will investigate whether the spice was mixed with other drugs.

In response to the large number of deaths in such a short period of time, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced they will begin cracking down on synthetic marijuana manufacturers, as federal agents obtained hundreds search and arrest warrants in 25 states. Those who overdosed in Austin and Dallas are believed to have purchased the synthetic marijuana from the same Dallas supplier.

Many who have used the drug experienced unpleasant effects, which is no surprise being that U.S. poison control centers received nearly 7,000 calls related to synthetic marijuana in 2011 and over 5,000 in 2012, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

In December of 2012, the National Institute on Drug Abuse revised their publication about synthetic marijuana, including how it is used, potential health effects, and public health concerns. It's difficult to regulate because the manufacturers change the ingredients often, but the DEA banned five specific chemicals back in 2010.

Authorities in Texas will continue their investigations and update the public as soon as they uncover any pertinent information in regards to the overdoses. You can read more about the deaths in Texas in this Forbes.com article as well as this Huffington Post article.