As marijuana has grown in popularity across the US as more states legalize it, copycats and similar products have come on the scene to take advantage of the boom. Among those, synthetic cannabinoids (SC) are very much on the rise. But the effects of synthetic cannabinoids can be very dangerous, and their long-term use can lead to addiction. If you’ve come across synthetic cannabinoid use in your family, here’s what you need to know.
What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), synthetic cannabinoids, also known as synthetic cannabis, refer to types of lab-made substances with chemical similarities to the chemicals found in the natural cannabis plant. With that said, the effects of synthetic cannabinoids are often very different from the effects of cannabis’ natural chemicals. That’s because, in reality, synthetic cannabis is essentially a mixture of various herbs and toxins.
Many of the synthetic cannabinoids used today are illicitly manufactured and illegally sold. People who have reported using them have often done so because they were sometimes cheaper and more available than cannabis itself. Many synthetic cannabinoids also go undetected by routine urine tests. These drugs also often advertise as a “legal” alternative to cannabis.
Illicit makers of synthetic cannabis will market it as being like THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical compound in cannabis that creates psychoactive effects. Like delta-8, phenibut, and tianeptine, synthetic cannabinoids fall under the broad category of gas station drugs sold in gas stations, smoke shops, convenience stores, and online.
SC can be labeled with qualifiers such as “potpourri”, “herbal incense,” and “not for human consumption” to navigate legal gray areas and get around regulations. Products are often disguised with colorful, enticing packaging designed to attract youth. Common names of synthetic cannabinoids on the shelves may include:
- K2
- Spice
- Kush
- Scooby Snax
- Green Giant
- Geeked Up
- AK-47
- Fake Weed
- Yucatan Fire
- Mr. Smiley
SOURCE: New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports
How Synthetic Cannabis Is Used
Synthetic cannabinoids are even used in ways that mimic traditional marijuana use. According to the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, SC often gets sprayed onto dried leaves and other ground plant material. It’s then rolled up and smoked like a common joint.
Alternatively, synthetic cannabis may be sold as a liquid cartridge and vaped. Users may also drink SC as a tea, ingest it via capsule orally or rectally, or consume it via blotter paper.
The Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are a federally illegal substance under the Controlled Substances Act. However, because SC products are illicitly manufactured, the makeup of synthetic cannabis goes unregulated. Consequently, consuming synthetic cannabis can lead to serious adverse effects due to its higher potency and unpredictable nature compared to natural cannabis. Reports have even shown that SC potency is 2 to 800 times (yes, it’s that varied) greater than the potency of THC.
So what happens when you use synthetic cannabinoids? It’s basically a gamble, as the effects can range greatly from mild to severe. Compared to marijuana use, taking SC makes you 30 times more likely to require hospital emergency services due to severe reactions to its effects.
Common mild effects of synthetic cannabinoids may include euphoria, relaxation, and sedation, as well as agitation, anxiety, fatigue, and thinking challenges. Results will vary based on you, what SC product you use, other substances you mix with it, how you use it, and the duration of use. With that said, more adverse health effects of SC use may include:
- Elevated heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Pallor
- Numbness and tingling
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts
- Violent behavior
- Breathing problems
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Muscle damage
- Death
SOURCE: US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Synthetic Marijuana Addiction
Regular use of SC puts you at risk of developing a synthetic marijuana addiction, especially when the drug is used to cope with trauma or co-occurring disorders. Like cannabis addiction, an addiction to synthetic cannabinoids causes your brain to develop a chemical dependency on the constant supply of the drug. In fact, SC more intensely activates the cannabinoid receptors in your brain compared to natural cannabis. When you try to quit synthetic cannabis/marijuana, you would likely develop withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe anxiety
- Sweating
- Trouble sleeping
SOURCE: CDC
And if you’ve used SC for longer periods of time, you may even have severe withdrawal symptoms such as breathing problems, chest pain, and seizures. At this point, quitting on your own may seem impossible (or even dangerous). That’s why it’s important to partner with a professional treatment center to overcome your synthetic marijuana addiction.
Holistic Addiction Treatment in New England
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to synthetic cannabinoids, know that it’s possible to find lasting recovery. At Sana at Stowe in Stowe, Vermont, our holistic addiction treatment programs help you safely navigate detox and withdrawal, finally address the root causes of your struggles, and learn to stay healthy long-term. If you’re ready to break free from SC and reclaim your life, call us today.
