GBI Chief Medical Examiner Kris Sperry on Tuesday confirmed that 16-year-old Chase Burnett died after smoking synthetic marijuana -- the first time the drug has been officially linked to a death in Georgia.
"He drowned because he was under the influence of one of the synthetic cannabinoids that made him unconscious," Sperry told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
There were no other drugs in Burnett's system, the medical examiner said, adding that the Fayette County teen was in otherwise excellent physical condition at the time of his death March 4.
It was widely assumed Burnett died after smoking the popular drug, made up of plant material and sprayed with chemicals that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The teen's body was discovered in his parents' hot tub.
The substance, typically known by the brand names K-2 and Spice, can be purchased for as little as $5 at convenience stores and head shops.
Chase's Law, legislation in Burnett's name that Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law in April, briefly prohibited the sale of synthetic pot, but distributors have since found a way around the legislation.
"They essentially altered the basic [chemical] structure and started all over again," said state Sen. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler, who authored the bill outlawing its sale.
Legally, there's nothing state officials can do until the General Assembly reconvenes next January. But they hope news of Burnett's death will at least cause prospective users to think twice.
"Deaths are rare, but that doesn't mean they aren't occurring," Sperry said, adding the GBI wasn't able to screen for the substance until recently. "Many labs in the the country haven't been able to look for it. And you can't find it if you don't know what you're looking for."
Because little is still known about the effects of the drug, it's impossible to conclude how much Burnett smoked and what amounts are potentially deadly, Sperry said.
"It's obviously very, very potent," he said, comparing its effects to heroin. Classifying it as pot or marijuana understates its danger, Sperry stated, saying, "I've never in my 30 years seen anyone die from smoking marijuana."
It may not be long before a second Georgian's death is blamed on the substance, the medical examiner said.
"We're investigating another case where we know synthetic cannabis was used," Sperry said. The drug, he added, is "far stronger than what teenage kids have an understanding of."
About the Author
