Last updated : November 11, 2024
While many individuals may think that synthetic marijuana is completely safe because it is supposedly made up of “natural” ingredients, this is simply not the case. In fact, synthetic marijuana, or spice, can be extremely dangerous and have potential life-threatening side effects. It contains a variety of different chemical mixtures that are combined is order to produce effects similar to those of marijuana, giving it its synthetic marijuana name. Synthetic marijuana is marketed as being a safe and legal alternative to marijuana and is sold under many different names including K2, Skunk, fake weed and more.
The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana
Synthetic marijuana products use false advertising, claiming that they use natural materials that have been combined from a variety of plants. While spice does contain dried plant material, chemical analyses show that most of the active ingredients in spice are synthetic cannabinoid compounds. While spice use to be sold at gas stations and in head shops, it is now illegal to sell, buy and to even have spice in your possession. Many young people choose to abuse synthetic marijuana because it is typically very easy to access and the chemicals that are used in spice do not typically show up on standard drug tests. However, it is important to understand how dangerous this drug can be and how it can potentially affect your body.
The Effects of Spice on the Brain
Synthetic marijuana or spice resembles potpourri and is commonly sold as such in order to make it available to the public. It also may be sold as “incense.” This synthetic drug is abused mainly be smoking it just as you would smoke marijuana. In some instances, spice may be mixed in with marijuana or can be prepared as a herbal infused drink. No matter which may you choose to abuse synthetic marijuana, your body, brain and overall health can be greatly affected.
Many individuals who choose to abuse spice say that the experiences are much like those from smoking marijuana. This includes and elevated mood, altered perception of reality and ultimate relaxation. In some cases, these experiences may be even stronger than those from regular marijuana which can be an attractive benefit to many users. However, some of the compounds that are found within spice may bond strongly to certain cell receptors within the brain. This could potentially lead to an unpredicted effect such as constant hallucinations, memory loss and even permanent brain damage. Because the ingredients of spice can be changed and are usually unknown, effects may vary from one person to the next.
Additional Side Effects Caused by Spice
Spice can be extremely toxic and cause both short-term and long-term side effects. In some instances, synthetic marijuana users have been taken to Poison Control Centers after experiencing vomiting, hallucinations, increased heart rate and agitation. It can also cause increased blood pressure by reducing the supply of blood to the heart. In several cases, spice use can been associated with heart attacks. Strokes can also be caused from spice when the vessels that lead to the brain become constricted which limit blood and oxygen flow. This can even result in potential long-term brain damage or death.
Because the overall toxicity of synthetic marijuana is not yet known, it is hard to say all of the ways that this fake drug can possibly interact with the human body, causing very dangerous side effects. There may even be heavy metal residues within spice mixtures that can cause additional long-term damage to your health. Further studies may show additional dangers of synthetic marijuana.
