Patriots Star Chandler Jones Hospitalized for Synthetic Marijuana — But What Is That?
New England Patriots player Chandler Jones was briefly hospitalized because of an adverse reaction to synthetic marijuana, sources say. (Photo: Steven Senne/AP/Corbis)
Chandler Jones, defensive lineman for the New England Patriots, is in the hospital because of a reaction to synthetic marijuana, sources reported late in the afternoon Wednesday (Jan. 13).
Jones initially showed up to his local police department in Foxborough, Massachusetts, shortly before 8 a.m. on Sunday, the Boston Herald reported. The Pro Bowler was evaluated by EMS and transported to Norwood Hospital about 20 minutes later. The Patriots confirmed that Jones was admitted to the hospital Sunday and released later that day.
Media reports on Tuesday claimed that Jones had overdosed on pain pills Saturday night. (Jones missed the Jan. 3 match against Miami because of a toe injury.) By Wednesday afternoon, however, the Boston Globe reported that Jones’ medical emergency was actually a bad reaction to synthetic marijuana, according to an unnamed source close to the situation.
Many types of synthetic marijuana are illegal and listed as Schedule I substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The DEA regularly adds new synthetic marijuana chemicals to the list, but manufacturers can (and do) get around regulations by changing their chemical formulas.
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What Is Synthetic Marijuana?
Synthetic marijuana, also known as spice, is made by spraying dried herbs, spices, or other plant material with man-made cannabinoids (the active ingredients in marijuana). The substance is often smoked, but it’s also sold in liquid form for use in vaporizers. Side effects include high blood pressure, anxiety, paranoia, and nausea.
The potency and potential health effects can vary substantially. Some formulas are significantly more potent than marijuana, while others give less of a “buzz.” But because the formulas change and the effects of these chemicals are mostly untested, “these products are likely to contain substances that cause dramatically different effects than the user might expect,” the National Institute on Drug Abuse says.
Chandler Jones attends a pool party in Las Vegas for teammate Rob Gronkowski. (Photo: INFphoto.com/INFphoto.com/Corbis)
Drug’s Popularity Sparks New Regulations
The drug first rose in popularity around 2010 because it was unregulated and could be sold legally at gas stations and smoke shops. Synthetic marijuana is sometimes sold as potpourri or herbal incense and labeled as “not for human consumption” to skirt regulation.
Early last year, the DEA banned three new strains of synthetic marijuana and classified them as Schedule I drugs — the same category as heroin, marijuana, and MDMA (Molly). Manufacturers, however, can quickly dodge regulation by changing their formulas, the DEA notes.
More than 11,400 people visited the emergency department because of synthetic marijuana in 2010, according to government research. By 2015, several states in the South and Northeast had issued public health warnings about the drug in response to increasing numbers of hospitalizations related to synthetic marijuana.
Related: Marijuana Use and Disorders Have Doubled Since 2001
Fans are wondering if the news will affect Jones’ playing status for Saturday’s playoff game. (Photo: Michael Dwyer/AP/Corbis)
What’s Next for Chandler Jones?
This week, Jones has attended all of his scheduled practices and meetings, according to the Patriots. That includes a 6:30 a.m. practice on Monday, the day after he was hospitalized.
According to NFL policy, Jones could be enrolled into a drug-testing program if he is cited for using the Schedule I substance.
Meanwhile, teammates are saying that they support Jones and are focusing on preparations for the first playoff game this Saturday.
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