The Orange County District Attorney’s Office and  the Police Chiefs’ Association of Orange County recently issued a warning to Orange County residents about the recent alarming increase in Orange County High School students needing medical attention because they have ingested a variety of regulated substances.

These include synthetic marijuana, commonly called “K2” or “spice,” substances claiming to contain THC or CBD oils, and other synthetic substances being ingested with electronic-cigarettes or “e- cigarettes.”

Minisink Valley is asking parents and guardians to have serious conversations with their children these dangerous substances so they understand the severe consequences of the illegal use of dangerous and unregulated substances.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted e-cigarettes are sometimes called “e-cigs,” “vapes,” “e-hookahs,” “vape pens,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).”

Some e-cigarettes are disposable and look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some look like USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items.

The District Attorney’s Office and the police chief association stressed that based on the recent uptick in overdoses for teenagers who are vaping, it’s apparent high concentrations or other dangerous substances have been introduced into the substances these high schoolers are ingesting.

“Medical emergencies because of the ingestion of high concentration of THC and other substances through vaping or ingesting edibles is becoming an unfortunate trend in our schools and communities,” said Town of Crawford Police Chief Dominick Blasko, representing the chiefs’ association. “These alarming number of THC related medical emergencies should be a wakeup call for parents to further educate themselves and have a blunt discussions with young people about these dangerous and unregulated substances.”

“For every parent and educator, the health and safety of children and teenagers is of paramount importance,” added District Attorney David Hoovler. “It is imperative that young people be warned about dangerous substances by adults that they trust, and that responsible adults be vigilant in ensuring that those in their care are safe.”

To learn more, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

READ:
CDC: Quick facts on the risks of e-cigarettes for kids, teens, and young adults
Vaping: What you need to know
American Lung Association: Talk to your child about vaping