Synthetic Marijuana is NOT a Safe Alternative to Pot

Synthetic pot is also known by names like Moon Rocks, Blaze, Skunk, Spice, K-2 and of course, fake weed. While some of these names sound fun and interesting, the potential side effects of these products are anything but – they include such symptoms as vomiting, paranoia, tremor, agitation, seizures, cardiac issues, stroke, brain damage and death.Still, more people are using synthetic cannabis, and emergency room staffs across the country are seeing more overdoses as a result.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, synthetic marijuana varieties like Spice were widely available for purchase at gas stations, head shops and through Internet-based vendors. But due to the presence of chemicals in Spice that keep abusers coming back for more while offering no medical benefits, the Drug Enforcement Administration classified the five chemicals most usually included in Spice as Schedule I controlled substances, a move that rendered selling, buying or possessing these substances illegal.

But the manufacturers of synthetic pot keep the agency on its toes. They are continuously altering the chemicals used to make it, forcing the DEA to keep a watchful eye on these manufacturers and requiring almost constant updates to the list of prohibited cannabinoids.

Researchers have found that synthetic marijuana is nothing like its naturally-grown namesake, in terms of how it affects the user. The brain contains many CB1 receptors; some manage memory, while others, located in the brain stem, ensure that respiratory, gastrointestinal and cardiac systems function properly. The active ingredient in synthetic pot fully activates these receptors in the brain. This differs from the way the active ingredient in marijuana (THC) affects these receptors because THC only triggers partial activation. Synthetic cannabis is also up to 100 times more potent than marijuana.

“Its action in the brain may be similar but the physical effect is so different,” says Jeff Lapoint, MD, an emergency room doctor and medical toxicologist.

Another frightening aspect of these substances is the lack of quality control during the manufacturing process, and the fact that users have no way of knowing how much synthetic cannabinoid exists in each individual packet.

Lewis Nelson, MD, who works in NYU’s Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, adds that patients who are suffering from an overdose due to synthetic marijuana use don’t look anything like those who have sought medical help after smoking too much pot. Nelson said those who experience a “bad trip” with regular marijuana are usually calm in nature and able to interact reasonably well. It is a very different story with synthetic marijuana, Lewis said, because those patients tend to be angry, agitated and perspiring heavily. Lewis likened the symptoms associated with synthetic pot overdoses to those exhibited in people who use amphetamines.

The rising numbers of people using – and suffering adverse effects of – synthetic cannabis has prompted questions about whether legalizing marijuana would effectively snuff out the synthetic industry.

There’s no way of knowing if legalization is the answer, but Lapoint said states should certainly continue discussions on the topic.

“You have to ask if you’re pushing people towards the scarier thing? The answer is yes,” said Lapoint.