Alachua health department warns residents of synthetic drugs causing seizures

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. — The Alachua County Health Department is investigating after a surge of patients experienced seizures associated with a synthetic form of marijuana, known as “Spice.”

On Thursday, six patients were transported to a hospital and five more were transported Friday.

Officials are warning residents that a toxic form of the drug is circulating in the Gainesville area.

They said the synthetic marijuana can cause altered mental states, and the chemicals used to create versions of the drug can be toxic to humans.

Alachua County Health Department officials said they are working closely with local law enforcement agencies, hospitals and emergency medical services.

WFTV