NYC sees surge in use of synthetic marijuana, complicating efforts to deal with the homeless

NEW YORK, N.Y. – New York City is grappling with a disturbing surge in the consumption of synthetic marijuana.

Police say that homeless men are smoking the cheap knock-off weed in growing numbers. That’s resulted in a spike in emergency room visits by users suffering from high blood pressure, hallucinations and psychotic meltdowns that can turn violent or deadly.

In East Harlem, the users buy the fake pot in corner markets and smoke it openly on the street. Police have sought to fight the problem by using health codes to raid businesses that sell the substance and seize their supplies.

K2 is believed to be produced in China under brand names like “Green Giant,” ”Smacked” and “AK47.”