Alabama health officials warn against "Spice" drug dangers

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama hospitals are reporting a higher number of patients and hospitalizations linked to symptoms from the synthetic drug known as "Spice."

The Alabama Department of Public Health on Thursday said state hospitals have reported 462 patients from March 15 through April 20 experienced symptoms after smoking or ingesting the synthetic cannabinoid.

Official say the drug has led to 96 hospitalizations and two deaths.

The state's public health department is warning about the drug's hazards. Symptoms can include rapid heart rate, nausea and vomiting, confusion, hallucinations and kidney and respiratory problems. Long-term health effects are unknown.

The patients' ages ranged from 13 to older adults. Officials say most patients were males in their 20s and 30s.

Officials say spice variants are marketed under other names such as "K2," ''Genie" and "Skunk."