The Danger of Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana is a substance similar to marijuana, however when it is used it alters how the brain processes information similar to the way THC affects the brain. However, the drug includes chemicals applied to plant material such as potpourri that is mixed in with marijuana. Researchers all agree that the combination makes the drug difficult to predict and the effects, both short and long term, random.

Betwee
2009 and 2010, synthetic marijuana peaked in popularity, but in 2012 the U.S. banned the sale of the substance on the federal level, which was followed shortly thereafter by a ban on the state level. Unfortunately, most manufacturers have found a way around the law by creating slight changes to the drug and more obviously by marking the packaging “not for human consumption.”

What is it?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists K2, moon rocks, spice, skunk, Yucatan fire and fake weed among the many names that Synthetic Marijuana goes by. Realizing the potential for danger, the Drug Enforcement Administration banned the chemicals used to make the drug in 2012 but unfortunately individuals making the drug have discovered ways around the ban by using alte
ative chemicals.
Synthetic Marijuana appeals mostly to male high school students and reports from the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggest that the reasons for the drug’s popularity center around a misunderstanding of key words associated with the drug such as “Spice” which indicated that it is a natural substance and not harmful and also that it is undetectable by drug tests.

How is it used?

Synthetic Marijuana can be mixed in an herbal tea or other beverage and drank or smoked. Abusers and addicts experienced feelings of euphoria and deep relaxation, as well as feeling anxious, paranoia and reported having hallucinations.

What are the affects of drug use?

The danger of synthetic marijuana use is its affect on the brain and central nervous system. Similar to marijuana, synthetic marijuana connects to and blocks the cannabinoid receptors, however in synthetic marijuana the attachment is more secure and unpredictable. The inability to predict the outcome from abuse is a solid conce
for health care professionals, who are understandably conce
ed too as to the long term effects of daily abuse.

Emergency room health professionals reported that individuals have been admitted with:
• Vomiting
• Impaired mobility and judgment
• Irregular heartbeat
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Aggressive and irrational behavior
• Delusional
• Unconscious or catatonic

Unfortunately, the long term effects of Synthetic Marijuana have not been determined, but doctors speculate that any addiction would most likely be more psychological than physical because of the nature of the drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the uncertainty of the chemicals used in the drug, create a danger in the ability to treat individuals who are under the influence of the drug maintaining that the best recourse is to keep the individual clam and allow the drug to be naturally released from the body.