Marijuana Wax Seizures Are Up, Authorities Say

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota law enforcement is seeing a significant rise in marijuana wax seizures.

The drug has extremely high levels of THC, the chemical that causes the psychological effects of marijuana.

In the west metro area alone, officers have seized 12 pounds so far this year, with a street value of more than $300,000. That's compared to less than a quarter pound seized in all of 2015.

Officers say sellers are primarily targeting teenagers and young adults.

Symptoms of use include increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea and vomiting.

Authorities are urging parents to educate themselves on what to look out for.

"Marijuana wax is very sticky, so they use small rubber containers so that the substance will not stick to it," said Commander Robert Topp of the Metro Violent Crime Enforcement Team.

Marijuana wax is dangerous to make. In 2014, an elderly woman died in a fire caused by two teenagers who were making marijuana wax in her basement.

The hot plate they were using ignited butane gas. The woman's grandson and another teenager pled guilty to her murder.