Local Doctor: Eating Seeds To Get High Could Be Fatal

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A dangerous trend has resurfaced. Across the country, teens and young adults are eating seeds to get high.

At the Pittsburgh Poison Center at UPMC, Medical Director Dr. Michael Lynch said they receive around 20 to 30 calls a year.

"But, I think that vastly underestimates the overall use in the area," said Dr. Lynch. "We probably don't even know as much as is happening. We know that more are using than present to the emergency department."

Some of the seeds and plants are Jimson Weed, which grows wild in Pennsylvania, morning glory seeds, and Hawaiian baby woodrose. Dr. Lynch said they have hallucinogenic effects, but can also have dangerous outcomes.

"In severe cases, agitation, sweating, and injuries quite frankly, while confused," Dr. Lynch said.

There are more some seeds that can even be fatal, like oleander, foxglove and angel's trumpet.

"Taking too much of that can cause the heart rate to slow way down, have abnormal heart rhythms and even death. So, that would probably be the most dangerous class of plants," Dr. Lynch said.

KDKA's Heather Abraham called a dozen nurseries in the area. Very few were aware of this trend, but at Hahn's Nursery in Ross, Diana Knapp says she hears about it every decade or so.

"They can make you sick. Anytime you're not in control is a problem," said Knapp. "And like I said, some of them can be lethal. They can kill you. I'm really not exaggerating. That's what it is."

Some users are posting their post-high experience on YouTube, calling it a "trip report." Knapp said these videos should not be viewed as "advice."

"It's not even, be careful. It's don't do it," said Dr. Lynch, who warned again of the dangers of some of the seeds. Foxglove, for example, is used in some heart medications.

"That can stop you in your tracks," Dr. Lynch said.

Dr. Lynch recommends parents call the Poison Center if they have questions and to talk with their kids about the risky, and even life-threatening, side effects.

"Open and frank discussions about the dangers of things that might not seem that dangerous on the surface," Dr. Lynch said.

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