Headaches, tachycardia, hallucinations, paranoia attacks, depression but also paralysis, the effects of Buddha Blue are devastating. However, this synthetic drug for electronic cigarettes is increasingly popular among high school students, to the point of worrying teachers in several departments.
After several reports in Brittany, Buddha Blue, also known under the name of PTC, is now worrying the Calvados department where, since the start of the 2019 school year, seven high schools have been affected by this new drug, particularly popular among the 15- 18 years old. “17 students exhibited symptoms after inhaling the substance“, alerted the rectorate to our colleagues from France Bleu, specifying that some students had to be hospitalized. Particularly dangerous, this synthetic cannabinoid, which is easily obtained on the Internet, is most often in the form of an odorless liquid which can be consumed in electronic cigarettes.
PTC for “fart your skull”
Its particularly attractive cost, only a few tens of euros, contributes to the utterance of what consumers nickname PTC for “pète ton crâne”. “Young people who use it seek out the effects of cannabis, but the side effects of buddha blue are completely different, much more violent, especially since dosages are difficult to control“, warns Grégory Lange, of the national association of prevention in alcoholology and addictology. After a phase of relaxation, the rise of this drug would be particularly brutal, causing paralysis, tachycardia, hallucinations, respiratory distress…”There are two cases of fatal overdose in Europe“, explains Grégory Lange.
The addictology support and prevention care centers (CSAPA) welcome anyone linked to addictive behavior (the main interested party and / or members of their entourage) free of charge and anonymously.
created on October 28, 2019