What Is Synthetic Marijuana?
Synthetic marijuana, also called K2, Spice, Incense, Fake Weed, Yucatan Fire, Genie, Skunk, Moon Rocks, Zohai, Black Mamba is a man-made drug in which herbs, incense or other leafy materials are sprayed with lab-synthesized liquid chemicals to mimic the effect of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
Frequently marketed as an incense in colorful three-ounce pouches and labeled “not for human consumption,” to avoid oversight from the Federal Food and Drug Administration, Spice or K2 became increasingly popular with high school students and young adults because it is legally obtainable from convenience stores, smoke shops, and online – until July 2012 when a national ban was enacted against the sale of synthetic cannabinoids in the U.S.
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What You Need To Know About Synthetic Marijuana
There are serious toxicities that occur with the use of synthetic marijuana, and some users have required emergency room treatment. The chemicals synthesized for the production of synthetic pot can be more potent than natural THC found in marijuana and may have more dangerous side effects. Little is known of the pharmacological profile of the chemicals or their by-products.
Often, the effects can be stronger than those of natural marijuana due to the synthesized chemicals. However, some of the synthesized compounds in fake marijuana bind much more strongly to THC receptors than regular marijuana, which can lead to a more powerful, unpredictable or dangerous effect. Some synthesized compounds have been noted to be 100 times more potent than the average THC found in marijuana. In addition, as with many illicit designer drugs, the chemical composition may be unknown and some products may be laced with other toxic chemicals. The stronger binding of the synthetic chemicals to the THC receptor sites in the brain may lead to the extreme anxiety and paranoia that have been reported in some users.
Hazardous Effects Of Using Synthetic Marijuana
- Extreme anxiety
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Profuse sweating
- Heart attacks
Published case reports in a 2011 edition of Pediatrics describe three teenagers who were hospitalized after using Spice/K2. The patients demonstrated varying degrees of catatonia (an inability to respond to verbal or physical stimulation – including pain) an elevated heart rate, agitation, anxiety, dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, slowed speech, and confusion.
Synthetic marijuana can be addicting — users who have had even unpleasant experiences crave the additional drug. Regular users may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The chemicals used in synthetic marijuana have a high potential for use and no medical benefit.
Are you using synthetic marijuana or is it someone you love? Stop immediately and get treatment before it’s too late. These are highly addictive, highly dangerous drugs – the good news there is a treatment that works. Call today.
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