Spice is a nickname for a substance containing one or more synthetic cannabinoids, which are lab-made drugs designed to mimic the effects of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids are often marketed and sold under the guise of “herbal incense” or “potpourri” and are packaged without information as to their health and safety risks. Spice is just one of many trade names or brands for synthetic designer drugs that are intended to mimic THC. These products are being abused for their psychoactive properties and are sold under various street names, including Spice, K2, RedX Dawn, Paradise, Demon, Black Magic, Spike, Mr. Nice Guy, Ninja, Zohai, Dream, Genie, Sence, Smoke, Skunk, Serenity, Yucatan, Fire, Skooby Snax, and Crazy Clown.
Synthetic cannabinoids are generally found in bulk powder form and then dissolved in solvents, such as acetone, before being applied to dry plant material to make the “herbal incense” products. These products are being abused for their psychoactive properties and have been associated with adverse health effects, including tachycardia (elevated heart rate), elevated blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, pallor, numbness, and tingling.
Spice is not a single drug, but a range of laboratory-made chemicals that mimic the effects of THC. 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. Synthetic cannabis is linked to serious health issues ranging from difficulties breathing to psychotic episodes. Although the consequences of long-term regular use are not well defined, experts believe that synthetic cannabis has the potential to develop or cause a relapse of mental illness, especially if there is a family history of mental disorders.
In summary, Spice is a range of laboratory-made chemicals that mimic the effects of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids are often marketed and sold under the guise of “herbal incense” or “potpourri” and are packaged without information as to their health and safety risks. These products are being abused for their psychoactive properties and have been associated with adverse health effects. Synthetic cannabis is linked to serious health issues ranging from difficulties breathing to psychotic episodes.
