Has there been a recent uptick in hyperbolic reporting on drug use? Some of the stories I've seen recently seem like they are straight out of a propaganda playbook from decades ago.
I'm sure some of its exaggerated but I've heard some really messed up stuff about synthetic cannabinoids before. Since they can be many times more potent than thc they can be really easy to overdose on as well whereas marijuana overdose is virtually impossible. This is a pretty clear example of prohibition doing far more harm than good since there would be no interest in "spice" or whatever it goes by these days if the real thing was available.
I tried it once years ago after getting a free sample at a head shop and it gave me one of the worst headaches I've ever had. Never touched the stuff again.