Also known as “K2” or “Spice,” synthetic marijuana contains compounds that mimic the ones in marijuana. Synthetic marijuana sellers may claim that it has fewer risks than natural marijuana. However, it could actually pose more danger and has unpredictable effects.
Like marijuana, synthetic marijuana has addictive properties. Gateway Foundation’s synthetic marijuana drug rehabilitation centers in Illinois support patients in their addiction recovery.
Synthetic marijuana refers to mind-altering substances sprayed on dried plants, like tea leaves, so that they can be consumed by users to produce a high. Also called fake weed, the chemicals used act on the same brain cell receptors as THC, the psychoactive substance found in marijuana.
To understand synthetic marijuana, you need to know what synthetic cannabinoids are. Synthetic cannabinoids belong to a class of drugs called new psychoactive substances (NPS). These unregulated illicit substances are produced in labs and intended to provide the same effects as illegal drugs. Although some NPS have been around for many years, they’ve recently regained popularity.
Often, synthetic marijuana is marketed as a safe, legal alternative to weed. However, this belief is false. Labels sometimes claim that these products are “natural,” but the only natural parts are the plants used as the base for the sprayed chemicals. Synthetic marijuana presents many dangers to users because it can impact the brain more powerfully than natural weed. The effects are often unpredictable and, in some instances, potentially lethal.
There are hundreds of brands of synthetic marijuana that exists. Also called herbal or liquid incense, some of the most popular types of synthetic weed include Spice, K2, Black Mamba, Kush, Kronic and Joker.
Synthetic marijuana is a relatively young drug, but the chemicals used to create the high have been around for decades. It was first sold under the brand name Spice in 2004, first in Europe and then in the United States. The synthetic cannabinoids used to create the drug’s effects were initially produced for medical purposes. As the illicit use of these chemicals spread, the DEA passed a law in 2012 banning these substances.
Underground chemists continually develop new experimental chemicals to replace the banned substances. These replacements may not be illegal as yet, but they can be toxic and unsafe. Today, there are more than 100 different types of synthetic marijuana. Users never know what effects these drugs will have on their bodies.
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For many years, synthetic marijuana was easy to buy in gas stations, novelty stores or drug paraphernalia shops. Today, it is illegal to purchase, possess or sell certain types of synthetic marijuana. Unfortunately, manufacturers change the chemical formulas of their mixtures to sidestep these laws.
Synthetic marijuana is often sold in colorful packaging or plastic bottles under a wide variety of brand names. Because the chemicals are sprayed on dried leaves, the drug can be smoked, brewed in tea or vaped in electronic cigarettes.
Many young people are drawn to synthetic marijuana because they falsely believe it’s legal or safer than weed. Spice has similar effects to marijuana. These drugs alter a user’s perception of reality and create a relaxing high and an overall good mood.
However, the ingredients found in synthetic cannabis differ with each batch. Some of the chemicals used to produce the product’s effects may have been formulated for fertilizer or cancer treatments. Most of these chemicals are not approved for human consumption. When someone takes synthetic marijuana, there’s no way to know how they will react to the chemicals found in the drug.
The effects of synthetic weed on the brain and body should not be underestimated. When someone uses marijuana, the THC in the drug interacts with brain cell receptors. Synthetic marijuana activates these same receptors, creating similar effects to its natural counterpart. The compounds in synthetic marijuana bind more strongly to these receptors than THC, resulting in stronger and less predictable effects.
Synthetic marijuana’s side effects and risks include:
How addictive is smoking spice? Synthetic marijuana can cause dependence and can be very addictive. When someone becomes dependent on synthetic marijuana, they may have these withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it:
Dependence can act as a symptom on its own or contribute to an addiction. The physical effects of dependence and withdrawal can make it difficult to stop taking synthetic marijuana.
Recreational synthetic marijuana use can turn into addiction over time. You or someone you know may have an addiction if these signs appear:
Addiction affects many aspects of life, and seeking help empowers you to improve these elements. A synthetic marijuana drug addiction rehab center can assist you in achieving these goals and more:
The team at Gateway uses evidence-based and patient-centered strategies to treat synthetic marijuana addiction. Our services include the following elements to improve our patients’ chances of success:
When you become a patient at Gateway, you get a partner in recovery for life.
With synthetic marijuana addiction treatment as a newer field, clinics use a variety of strategies to handle this addiction type. Addiction services tend to involve two elements:
Depending on your symptoms and situation, you may benefit the most from inpatient (residential) or outpatient treatment. Your care team will help you find a program model that fits your needs.
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