Not Natural-The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

Not Natural-The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

Though synthetic marijuana products, also known as K2 or spice, can be found for sale in local convenience stores, they are not natural and are not safe. Marketed as developed from “100% organic herbs”, manufacturers of synthetic marijuana insinuate that their products are risk-free and a “safe alternative” to Cannabis. As a larger number of the young population has turned to K2 as their drug of choice, parents and educators have a new cause for concern.

Since the introduction of this product in 2002, use of synthetic marijuana has escalated tremendously. Since it is cheap, can be obtained easily at convenience stores nationwide, and does not trigger a positive result on a urine drug test; spice has skyrocketed within the young community and has become a cause of concern for parents around the country. Researchers have also increased their findings in regards to synthetic marijuana, and experts argue that  K2 is not safe.

Despite contrary belief, completely natural spice does not exist. Synthetic marijuana has been found to contain chemicals produced in laboratories, chemicals with unknown and potentially harmful effects to the human brain. K2 has been associated with such effects as; a racing heartbeat and heightened blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, severe agitation and anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures and tremors, suicidal behavior, intense hallucinations and psychotic episodes. Poison control experts have labeled synthetic marijuana as a risk to the public’s health and a hazard to public safety, specifically in regards to the nation’s young population.

It is imperative that parents are aware of the dangerous effects of spice, as young people should be educated about the hazards of synthetic marijuana by individuals that they trust. K2 comes in various colors, to include red, blonde, green and brown. It is sold in small packages and consists of a mixture of dried leaves. The ingredients in spice have changed multiple times since the substance’s introduction, originally containing the chemical HU-210 and now containing CP 47, 497 and JWH-018. This ingredient change was based on HU-210’s classification as a controlled substance, thus illegal within The United States.

According to product reviews, synthetic marijuana produces a high which is similar to but shorter than the high of smoking marijuana.  It also looks similar to marijuana in that it consists of green leaves and twigs. However, K2 is a very different substance than Cannabis. Spice consists of any variety of different herbs which are soaked within synthetic chemicals. Synthetic marijuana is also associated with risky behavior and serious medical side effects which are not necessarily associated with Cannabis.

If you, your child or someone else you know has an issue with synthetic marijuana use, you are not alone. Self Empowerment NH, LLC, a private counseling company out of Concord, New Hampshire, has experience in addiction counseling for both legal and illegal substances and specific experience in supporting individuals with spice addiction. For more information, contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

You are not alone. Open the door to self empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.