Synthetic marijuana/spice has caught some recent media attention due to reports of dangerous and even violent behavior from individuals who use it. These products contain dried, shredded plant material and chemical additives that are responsible for their psychoactive (mind-altering) effects. The component of cannabis that produces the desired effect is called THC, and synthetic marijuana is designed to magnify the effects of THC.

Synthetic marijuana has been on the market for a relatively short period of time and for many years it was available for purchase at gas stations, smoke shops and via the internet.  Frequent unwanted side effects have been reported and include vivid and frightening hallucinations, delusional thoughts or beliefs and psychological breaks with reality. Popular Science magazine also reports that some teenagers who have tried this drug have suffered seizures, strokes or even loss of eyesight.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has now designated the five most common chemicals used in making spice as schedule I controlled substances, making it illegal to buy, sell or possess them.  According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse manufacturers of Spice products attempt to evade these legal restrictions by substituting different chemicals in their mixtures, while the DEA continues to monitor the situation and evaluate the need for updating the list of banned cannabinoids.

What makes synthetic marijuana especially dangerous is that it lacks a substance called cannabidol that minimizes the negative effects of THC. Due to the likelihood of permanent brain damage or psychosis, habitual users of synthetic marijuana present a liability to companies that employ them along with posing a possible threat to themselves or others.

Along with “spice,” some other street names for this drug include “black mamba,” “K2” and “sexy monkey.” The variations in synthetic marijuana’s composition also make it very dangerous because there is no way of predicting how different individuals will react to it. According to the scientist who first developed synthetic marijuana for research purposes, recreational use of it is figuratively a game of Russian Roulette.  Spice products are popular among young people; of the illicit drugs most used by high-school seniors, they are second only to marijuana.

It is still not known how the use of Spice may affect human health.  Many users have been taken to Poison Control Centers and the effects of using Spice could be serious and irreversible.   If you suspect one of your friends, family members or colleagues is using this synthetic drug, don’t wait!  Contact us now for further information about our instant or laboratory screening resources.