With cannabis legalization flourishing, it has become increasingly easy to access regulated cannabis products. However, the legal cannabis market has not dissuaded imitators from creating man-made concoctions that mimic the effects of weed. You might have seen these colorful bags in your local bodegas and gas stores. Does that mean that they’re legal? What’s the deal with synthetic cannabinoids like K2 or Spice?
What are synthetic cannabinoids?
Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds created in factories by human beings that are meant to mimic the mind-altering intoxication of the psychoactive element of the cannabis sativa plant, THC. These synthetic chemicals are produced as oils or liquids sprayed onto plant material or put into vapes filled with synthetic carrier oils. They are crafted to look like authentic marijuana but often look like potpourri.
Why are they called cannabinoids? Simply put, they are remarkably similar to the chemical compounds found in marijuana plants. These imitations interact with the same receptors of the endocannabinoid system as the compound THC. These similarities have led to the popularity of the misnomer “synthetic marijuana” or “fake weed.” The colorful packaging and availability in stores have led to them being perceived as a healthier, legal option to authentic cannabis. However, manufacturers often rely on false advertising and lack of regulation to put these products in the hands of unsuspecting consumers.
Hundreds of synthetic cannabinoids have emerged or reemerged over the last few years. They are sold under some of the following names:
● K2
● Spice
● AK-47
● Mr. Happy
● Scooby Snax
● Kush
● Kronic
Synthetic cannabinoids are not the only manufactured attempts to imitate drugs. They are part of an emerging category of drugs known as “new psychoactive substances (NPS). These products are unregulated imitations of more naturally occurring mind-altering substances. They are created to give you the same effects as the real thing and rely heavily on a lack of regulation to slip between the cracks and appear in local stores.
Are synthetic cannabinoids safe?
Simple answer? Probably not. For one thing, the creation of these substances is highly unregulated. With the legal cannabis industry in it’s infancy, drug regulators are trying to keep up with the ever-expanding market of consumers. That may have made it easier for people to sneak by with potentially dangerous chemical compounds.
Because there is no regulation in manufacturing, the levels of chemicals inside these consumable products are unpredictable. There is no way to guarantee you aren’t smoking something that could have dangerous, life-threatening substances in them. There have been instances when synthetic cannabinoids are mixed with other potentially harmful substances such as opioids, stimulants, or blood thinners. This unpredictable mix can have dangerous effects on the health of consumers.
There is evidence that synthetic cannabinoids can negatively affect brain function. Especially in young users, who may find the colorful packaging and ease of access appealing. As their brains are still developing, the unpredictable nature of synthetic cannabinoids poses a significant threat.
Some negative symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid use are
● Agitation, and irritability
● Hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, violent behavior
● Seizures
● Respiratory issues
● Heart Attacks
● Kidney Failure
Are synthetic cannabinoids legal?
The federal government has banned some of the synthetic cannabinoids that exist. Some state and local governments have followed suit. Regardless some operations have gotten around these regulations by labeling their products “not for human consumption.” For your sake, just don't mess with synthetic cannabinoids, ever!
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