Georgia officials find spiked CBD products sold in the state

In this Feb. 20, 2014 file photo, a liquid nicotine solution is poured into a vaping device at a store in New York. In September 2019, U.S. health officials are investigating what might be causing hundreds of serious breathing illnesses in people who use e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. They have identified about 450 possible cases in 33 states, including six deaths. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
In this Feb. 20, 2014 file photo, a liquid nicotine solution is poured into a vaping device at a store in New York. In September 2019, U.S. health officials are investigating what might be causing hundreds of serious breathing illnesses in people who use e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. They have identified about 450 possible cases in 33 states, including six deaths. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) -- When high schoolers around Savannah started passing out after puffing vapes last year, authorities focused on several products marketed as delivering the cannabis extract CBD.

Authorities arrested a tobacco store owner and two employees, but believe the vapes were made out of state.

An Associated Press investigation shows how some operators are capitalizing on CBD's popularity by substituting a cheap and dangerous street drug for the real thing.

That practice has sent dozens of people nationwide to emergency rooms. Unlike real CBD, synthetic marijuana gives an intense high.

In all, lab testing shows spiked vape or edible products such as gummy bears that were marketed as CBD in at least 13 states.

Industry representatives acknowledge spiking is an issue, but say many companies are reputable.

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