Synthetic marijuana (cannabis) refers to a mixture of herbs combined with synthetic cannabinoids, chemicals that act in the brain like THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana. Street names include: Spice, K2, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, synthetic maryjane, synthetic pot, Bliss, Black Mamba, Bombay Blue, Blaze, Genie, Zohai, and Moon Rocks.

Spice and K2, are the most common names used for synthetic marijuana. It is marketed as a “natural” legal alternative to marijuana, but labeled “not for human consumption.” It is also marketed as incense that could be smoked. For several years, Spice was easy to buy in head shops (stores that sell drug products) and gas stations and online. Spice looks like dried leaves.

On March 1, 2011, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has made it against the law to sell, buy, or possess the chemicals used in synthetic marijuana. People who make Spice products try to avoid these legal restrictions by using different chemicals in their mixtures. The DEA continues to watch the situation and review the need to update the list of banned chemicals.

The University of Michigan, Monitoring the Future Study added Synthetic Marijuana to its 2011 survey. In 2011, the survey showed 11.4% of 12th graders—one in nine—reported using synthetic marijuana in the past year. In 2012, the survey showed little change, with 11.3% of 12th graders reported using it in the past year. This is second to real marijuana which in 2012 showed 36.4% of 12th graders having used real marijuana in the past year.

Is your son using, abusing or addicted to synthetic marijuana or spice? Please seek help. Typical symptoms of Spice use include relaxed feelings and changes in perception which are similar to marijuana. There have been reported cases to the Poison Control Centers of extreme anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, confusion, vomiting, increased heart rate and agitation. Synthetic marijuana can raise blood pressure and cause less blood to flow to the heart.
Every person is different and when dealing with anything man-made, especially when it is not regulated, there can be very dangerous side effects. The long term effects are unknown.

Triumph Youth Services deals with drug and alcohol issues on a daily basis.

Please contact us for help.

Reference:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/spice