Last updated : December 23, 2024
Moon Rocks, No More Mr. Nice Guy, Spice, K2, Yucatan Fire and Skunk may sound like cute names for a harmless alternative to marijuana, but chemicals used to make synthetic pot may cause the user to experience far worse than a bad trip, a risk that significantly cuts down on the cute factor.
Data posted at the National Institute on Drug Abuse website shows those who use synthetic marijuana are putting themselves at risk for a host of serious medical problems including nausea and vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure, decreased blood flow to the heart, rapid heart rate and in some severe cases, heart attacks and death. Those who use synthetic pot habitually may also exhibit signs of dependency, and therefore may experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop using the drug.
While the manufacturers of pseudo-weed products claim they contain natural ingredients, NIDA warns that chemical testing has demonstrated the active ingredients are synthetic (or designer) in nature. Synthetic marijuana does contain some organic matter, but the psycho-active effects are caused by the chemicals added during the manufacturing process. Despite the fact that they all carry warnings stating the products are not meant for human consumption, users know better. That is evidenced by the rising number of people seeking help fromThe American Association of Poison Control Centers after they were exposed to various brands of synthetic pot. The AAPCC had recorded a total of 892 cases by the end of March this year. Through all of 2014, poison control centers dealt with 3,680 exposure reports, a marked increase over the 2,668 incidents that were reported in the previous year.
The United States Drug Enforcement Agency has tried to shut down the manufacturers of synthetic pot, but it has proven to be a daunting task. In 2012 the DEA banned the five active ingredients most commonly found in most brands of synthetic pot by classifying them as Schedule I controlled substances. While that move made it illegal to possess, buy or sell synthetic marijuana, the makers of these pot substitutes have remained one step ahead of authorities by changing the chemical compounds just enough to get around the law.
At a Virginia-based substance abuse treatment facility called Mount Regis Center, the staff helps patients end their habitual use of synthetic marijuana. Those who have sought help to kick that habit at Mount Regis Center have exhibited a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Sudden spikes of energy, fatigue, agitation or aggression
- Nausea and vomiting, seizures, chest pains and panic attacks
- States of paranoia, feelings of disorientation, experiencing hallucinations
- Extreme nervousness, depressive episodes and psychosis
People who want to stop their prolonged use of synthetic pot face withdrawal symptoms that range from nausea and diarrhea to extreme feelings of anxiety and hot or cold flashes. This detoxification can last as long as three days, and while it sounds like a long time to endure such a process, the alternatives that come with continued use – including death – make the challenge of quitting one that is worth overcoming.
