They're fake, but the high is real.
Synthetic drugs are easily accessible, according to law enforcement agencies across county who are spreading the word about the dangers behind using the legal substances.
The marijuana knock-off is known as "Spice" or "K2". Fake bath salts mimic cocaine. The drugs are sold at some convenience stores for as little as $10.
"Synthetic drugs aren't a widespread problem locally," Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano said.
But Chief Bejarano wants to get ahead of the curve. He's one of a number of local law enforcement leaders urging shops to pull the products from their shelves.
He says there's been at least 11 overdose cases reported in Chula Vista over the last year.
Chief Bejarano said teens have reportedly experienced food poisoning, panic attacks, hallucinations and paranoia, after taking the drugs.
Cases across the country have been on the decline ever since some of them resulted in death and more than two dozen states banned the substances.
San Diego Assemblymember Ben Hueso has introduced a bill to ban the products in California.
Chula Vista is holding a meeting to raise awareness on the issue on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Chula Vista Women's Club, 357 G Street.
