Narconon Suncoast Rehab has helped many get off the designer drug, synthetic marijuana – also known as Spice, Zohai, Genie, K2, Bliss, Nice, Smiley, Black Mamba, Incense, and fake weed.
The use of this drug (or family of drugs) is rising in use among teens and young adults. A couple of reasons for this are: 1. synthetic marijuana is easy to get and 2. schools don’t test for it.
Synthetic marijuana is basically a type of dried leaf (bay leaf, clove, parsley, or a mixture) treated with a set of artificial chemicals which are supposed to mimic THC – the part of marijuana that gets the user high. The chemicals are sprayed on to the leaf before it is sold. The drug is easy to obtain online, and can even be found in some gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops. It is often sold under any of the names listed above. It has only been made illegal recently and often the potential buyers of the drug are told that it is a “natural” substance.
Because the chemicals used in Spice have a high potential for abuse and no medical benefit, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has designated the five active chemicals most frequently found in Spice as Schedule I controlled substances, making it illegal to sell, buy, or possess them. Manufacturers of Spice products attempt to evade these legal restrictions by substituting different chemicals in their mixtures, while the DEA continues to monitor the situation and evaluate the need for updating the list of banned cannabinoids.
Synthetic marijuana is ingested in a similar manner to cannabis, either smoked alone in a joint or other device, such as a pipe or a bong, or rolled into a joint with tobacco or natural marijuana. Synthetic pot may also be baked into foods, such as brownies, or made into tea.Synthetic marijuana users report experiences similar to those produced by natural marijuana -- elevated mood, relaxation, and altered perception. Often, the effects can be stronger than those of natural marijuana due to the synthesized chemicals. Some users report psychotic effects like extreme anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
The 2012 DAWN Report from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that toxicity due to synthetic marijuana resulted in 11,400 cases of emergency room visits in 2010. Complications due to synthetic pot use include high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, agitation and seizures.
Synthetic marijuana abusers who have been taken to Poison Control Centers report symptoms that include rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, profuse sweating, confusion, and hallucinations Spice/K2 can also raise blood pressure and cause reduced blood supply to the heart (myocardial ischemia), and in a few cases it has been associated with heart attacks.
If you or a family member or friend have a problem with the abuse of synthetic marijuana, contact us today at the number above.
Refs: DrugFree.org, Forbes, WebMD Health News, DEA, NIDA, Drugs.com
