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Geographic distribution of synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers
Mathias B Forrester1, Tracy Haywood
1Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries Section, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX 78756, USA. mathias.forrester@dshs.state.tx.us
Background:
Synthetic cannabinoids have recently gained popularity as recreational drugs because they provide a marijuana-like high and cannot be detected in typical urine drug screens. However, the use of synthetic cannabinoids may result in a variety of adverse effects.
Objectives:
The intent of this investigation was to determine whether synthetic cannabinoid exposures in Texas demonstrated any geographic variation.
Methods:
A total of 1037 synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers during 2010-2011 were identified and the county and Texas Public Health Region (PHR) where the call originated from ascertained. The distribution of exposures by county and PHR was determined.
Results:
Synthetic cannabinoid exposures were reported in 124 of the 254 Texas counties (mean exposures per county 4.1, range 0-179). The exposure rate among the 11 PHRs varied from 2.79 to 7.14 per 100,000 population. The rate was 4.02 in urban counties and 4.90 in rural counties.
Conclusion:
Synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers varied by geographic region. The rate tended to be higher in rural counties.
Scientific Significance:
Such information may be useful when attempting to target education and prevention activities.
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