Last updated : December 16, 2024
Synthetic marijuana use is on the rise in Atlanta. Synthetic marijuana goes by many names. It may be called spice, skunk, K2 or a host of other names, but the substance is known among users because it produces a powerful high.
Most synthetic pot users smoke the substance to gain its psychoactive effects. It used to be widely available for sale in places like gas stations and head shops. Initially, it was legal, and some shops marketed it as “incense.” It was almost always labeled as being unsuitable for human consumption. These safeguards helped synthetic pot skirt the law for a few years. However, in 2010, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue outlawed the sale and possession of synthetic marijuana.
The new legislation meant that the herb, which was coated with certain man-made chemicals that produced the high users sought, could no longer be sold. Since 2010, manufacturers and authorities have been engaged in an ongoing game of cat and mouse. Manufacturers develop new chemical formulations that allow them to circumvent the law. This works until legislation catches up with them, making the new formulation illegal.
The laws may be making it more difficult to manufacture synthetic pot. It’s also slightly more difficult to obtain. Nonetheless, an increasing number of people in Atlanta are using it. While the precise formulation of some of these versions of synthetic pot might not be illegal at the moment, it seems clear that they soon will be. Perhaps more importantly, the people who use synthetic marijuana experience many serious side effects. Some of these alter the individual’s perception and can adversely affect their health. This also means that they may be impaired for driving or being on the job.
Drug tests can detect synthetic marijuana use, just as they do with natural pot. A worker who has used synthetic marijuana cannot hide it. While under the influence, the user may experience an increased heart rate, hallucinations, paranoia, seizures and vomiting. In fact, the side effects are often the direct opposite of the mellowing reaction most natural marijuana users experience.
Even hours or days after use of synthetic marijuana, it can be detected by a drug test. It’s important for employers to be aware of whether or not their employees are under the influence. A simple, inexpensive drug test can provide a definitive answer.
