Two in Critical Condition after Eating Jimson Weed
By: Julie Musgrave
Updated: July 17, 2009
Two people are in critical condition tonight after trying to 'get high' by eating a plant that can grow right in your backyard.
It's known as Jimson Weed, and it's very common in the South Plains. Doctors tell us they see many cases of teens eating the plant for it's drug-like reaction, but sometimes, the plant can be much more dangerous.
Jimson Weed is usually found in more abandoned or unkept areas. It looks like a small cactus, but it's what's on the inside that can be dangerous. The tiny pods contain a hallucinogenic compound. Once eaten, the seeds cause hallucinations. Doctors describe it as like taking a 'super' Benadryl, making you really hot and dazed. In larger doses it can be dangerous, causing a coma, delirium, or worse but not as common -- death.
Doctors tell us it's usually teens that get into the plant, not knowing how dangerous it can be.
Dr. Joe Sasin, UMC: "From the outside appearance, they look like they're just hallucinating and dazed. Inside, you feel really terrible. It can affect the heart, the lungs, the liver, and most importantly the brain and respiratory functions, to where you have coma."
Doctor Sasin says parents should warn their kids about the dangers of eating plants, even ones as harmless looking as something that grows right here in Lubbock.
Of course if you think anyone's ingested any of the plant, call 9-1-1 immediately.
