With all the marijuana dispensaries in L.A., it's not like we need a legal, weed-like alternative. But there it is, K2, a.k.a. Spice, the synthetic cannabis that's legally available in places like Westwood — without a doctor's prescription.

Except that news is that it might be making people sick. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (PDF) recently reported that the synthetic pot has inspired 1,800 calls to U.S. poison centers since the beginning of the year.

But wait, there's more …

Missouri Poison Center Medical Director Anthony J. Scalzo says the synth weed has been known to cause “a fast, racing heartbeat, elevated blood pressure and nausea.”

Wait, is this fake pot or meth?

There's more!

Scalzo told U.S. News & World Report that the product can inspire deep, dark trips: ” … Some kids are having very negative psychotropic experiences. One said, 'I felt like I went down to hell'.”

Instant hell? This is the magic drug we've been waiting for.

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