Deadly hallucinogenic weed sends 15 teens to hospital

Police and public health officials in Cornwall, Ont., are warning the public about a local hallucinogenic plant that has sent 15 teens to hospital in the past two weeks.

Jimsonweed, a plant that grows in much of southern Canada,containsseeds and leaves that cause hallucinations when ingested.

Butthat's not the only effect,Cornwall police spokesman Blake Paquin said Wednesday.

"This high can kill you," he said.

The poisonthat causes the plant's hallucinogenic punch attacks the central nervous system.

Dr. Margaret Thomson of the Ontario Poison Control Centre said eating the plant can cause high blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, dry mouth, urine retention, and seizures that can progress to a coma.

Several of the teens sent to hospital in recent weeks ended up in the intensive care unit, Paquin said.

Deaths from ingesting jimsonweed have been reported in Canada and the U.S.

Police are visiting local schools with seeds from the plant and warning students about the possible effects, and are asking parents to talk to teens about the weed as well.