Synthetic cannabinoids encompass a large category of man-made substances that, while structurally diverse, all function similarly to THC—the active chemical responsible for the effects of cannabis. The primary effects of these compounds derive from their actions as cannabinoid receptor agonists in the brain. In other words, the specific type of chemical in the mixture is less important than how much chemical there is compared to what has been put in to provide bulk. Spice is a mix of chemicals made in a lab that changes how the brain works. Due to its heightened potency and unpredictable effects, it’s illegal in the military and several states.
It highlights the need for percent of homeless on drugs multifaceted intervention strategies that consider the individual’s psychological state, their environment and their unique drug reaction and behaviours.
It comprises constant supervision, medication management, and personal counseling to eliminate vulnerabilities and prevent relapse, enabling the patient to maintain a sober lifestyle. Whether this substance is legal or not, it is hazardous and may cause severe health consequences. Synthetic cannabis half-life hasn’t been studied properly by researchers as the drug is relatively new, but it’s believed that the drug’s effects last for more than a week. Symptoms of Spice abuse vary and can include physical and cognitive symptoms. If you or your social circle misuse substances, stop immediately and seek help, especially if you’re using drugs to self-medicate.
Both, obviously, are ominous signs of the potential long-term consequences of abusing this drug. Synthetic marijuana, however, is not natural and can have a number of dangerous side effects. It can also be addictive and it can produce severe withdrawal symptoms in those who discontinue use. Scientifically, Spice works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, resulting in a range of effects, from mild relaxation to intense hallucinations and psychosis.
Spice Side Effects
In an effort to combat Spice abuse and overdoses caused by K2, the sale of synthetic weed possession and production has been banned in a number of cities and states, including New York State, Texas, and Kansas. Despite these bans, Spice can still be purchased with relative ease in retail locations, online, and through street-level drug dealers throughout the country. The long-term effects of Spice use are largely unknown due to the drug’s status as a relatively new drug on the market. However, heart damage from myocardial ischemia and renal damage are severe effects that have been reported.
- Spice addiction develops in stages, similar to other types of legal high addiction.
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- Synthetic cannabinoid use truly introduces new toxicants into the body, and the full extent of harm is unknown.
- Whether this substance is legal or not, it is hazardous and may cause severe health consequences.
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Spice Addiction Treatment Levels of Care
AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. Manufacturers of Spice (mainly in Asia, but also in the U.S.) make their phony products look like marijuana. These symptoms of being roofied illicit manufacturers create different chemicals in a lab and then spray them on plant matter to make them look like marijuana. Spice makers abroad must get their products through U.S. customs and into shops.
Cognitive Signs and Symptoms
The greater the number of criteria present, the greater the severity grading (e.g., mild, moderate, or severe). The 11 criteria cover the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of addiction. Medication might be used to ease withdrawal, but not to cure Spice addiction directly. There is currently no medication-assisted treatment (MAT) available for spice addiction.
Executive Rehab Programs
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at to learn more about treatment and how to find your way back what happens when you drink alcohol on accutane from addiction. Time and/or budget constraints are a serious concern for many, and they sometimes necessitate a shorter residential stay or outpatient treatment. Understanding these factors is essential in addressing the root causes of Spice addiction.
There are numerous reports of drug dealers combining synthetic weed with organic marijuana in order to entice users into believing they are purchasing a high-THC form of organic cannabis rather than K2. This ‘fake weed’ is usually sold in small packets containing dried, chemical-laced organic materials such as dried flowers that drug manufacturers have been known to steal from cemeteries. Tobacco, dried grape leaves, and marshmallow leaf are popular among fake marijuana manufacturers as well. Virtually any kind of dried plant material can be used to make Spice, since the active compounds in the drug come from the chemical coating, not the actual dried organic material. Spice is not a single drug, but a range of laboratory-made chemicals that mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Research suggests that Spice and other forms of synthetic cannabis are capable of producing much more intense and prolonged effects at much lower doses than natural cannabis.