@article{ref1,
title="Geographic Distribution of Synthetic Cannabinoid Exposures Reported to Texas Poison Centers",
journal="American journal of drug and alcohol abuse encompassing all addictive disorders",
year="2012",
author="Forrester, Mathias B. and Haywood, Tracy",
volume="38",
number="6",
pages="603-608",
abstract="Background: Synthetic cannabinoids have recently gained popularity as recreational drugs because they provide a marijuana-like high and cannot be detected in typical urine drug screens. However, the use of synthetic cannabinoids may result in a variety of adverse effects. Objectives: The intent of this investigation was to determine whether synthetic cannabinoid exposures in Texas demonstrated any geographic variation. Methods: A total of 1037 synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers during 2010-2011 were identified and the county and Texas Public Health Region (PHR) where the call originated from ascertained. The distribution of exposures by county and PHR was determined. Results: Synthetic cannabinoid exposures were reported in 124 of the 254 Texas counties (mean exposures per county 4.1, range 0-179). The exposure rate among the 11 PHRs varied from 2.79 to 7.14 per 100,000 population. The rate was 4.02 in urban counties and 4.90 in rural counties. Conclusion: Synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers varied by geographic region. The rate tended to be higher in rural counties. Scientific Significance: Such information may be useful when attempting to target education and prevention activities.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0095-2990",
doi="10.3109/00952990.2012.670339",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/00952990.2012.670339"
}