K2 Drug

Synthetic cannabinoids are human-made or manufactured mind-altering chemicals.  The most popular way people use the K2 drug is to roll the dried plants into “joints” or put them into pipes and smoke them like regular marijuana.  They’re also sold in liquid form and inhaled in e-cigarettes or other devices. Seldom do people add them to herbal tea or food. Additionally, other names of K2 are Spice, Mr. Happy, Scooby Snax, and Kronic.

Facts About K2 Drug

Synthetic cannabinoids are part of a group of drugs called new psychoactive substances (NPS).  Generally, NPS are unregulated mind-altering substances that have become newly obtainable on the market and are designed to produce identical effects as illegal drugs.  Furthermore, Some of these substances may have been around for years but have reemerged the market in altered chemical forms or renewed demand.  [1]

Synthetic cannabinoid products are often labeled “not for human consumption.” Labels also often claim that they contain natural material taken from a variety of plants.  However, the only parts of these products that are natural are the dried plant materials.  In fact, chemical tests show that the active, mind-altering ingredients are cannabinoid compounds, products from laboratories.

For several years, synthetic cannabinoid mixtures have been easy to buy in drug paraphernalia shops, novelty stores; gas stations, and over the internet.  Because the chemicals used in them have no medical benefit and a high potential for abuse, authorities have made it illegal to sell, buy, or possess some of these chemicals.  However, manufacturers try to sidestep these laws by changing the chemical formulas in their mixtures.  [2]

Legal Status of Synthetic Cannabinoids

The chemicals used in these products have a high potential for abuse and no medical benefit.  As a result, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has designated many active chemicals found most frequently in synthetic cannabinoids as Schedule I controlled substances, the most restrictive Schedule, making it illegal to sell, buy, or possess them.  Manufacturers attempt to evade these legal restrictions by substituting different chemicals in their mixtures, while the DEA monitors and updates the list of banned cannabinoid derivatives.

How Synthetic Cannabinoids Affect the Brain

Basically, synthetic cannabinoids run on the same brain cell receptors as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the mind-altering component in marijuana.

Because the chemical composition of many synthetic cannabinoid products is unknown and may vary from batch to batch, these products are likely to carry substances that cause dramatically complex effects than the user might demand.

Synthetic Cannabinoid Users Proclaim Some Effects Similar to those Produced by Marijuana:

• Elevated Mood
• Relaxation
• Altered Perception:   A heightened awareness of people and things around you
• Symptoms of Psychosis:  Delusional or disordered thinking detachment from reality

Psychotic Effects

• Extreme Anxiety
• Confusion
• Paranoia:  Excessive and unreasonable distrust of others
• Hallucinations:  Sensations and images that seem real though they are not

Health Risks of K2 Drug

People who have used synthetic cannabinoids and have been taken to emergency rooms have shown acute effects, including:

• Rapid Heart Rate
• Vomiting
• Violent Behavior
• Suicidal Thoughts

Basically, K2 drugs are not safe, but many users falsely think they are.  Marijuana is becoming legal in more and more states. So, this is giving the idea that marijuana is safe and that these drugs are safe.

Synthetic Cannabinoids Can Cause Unhealthy Side Effects

Lab testing verified that patients were exposed to brodifacoum  (an anticoagulant or blood thinner in rat poison)  due to tainted synthetic cannabinoids.  In reports, since this time, other anticoagulants have been classified in these manufactured products.  [3]  Furthermore, symptoms that can be expected with ingestion of synthetic cannabinoids laced with anticoagulant rat poison or other blood thinners can include:

K2 Drug Overdose

An overdose occurs when a person uses too much of a drug and has a dangerous effect that results in severe, harmful symptoms or death.  Moreover, deaths can also occur when dangerous synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are added to the packaged mixture without the user recognizing it.  [4]

Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids Can Cause:  

Who is at Risk for K2 Addiction?

The risk factors for developing an addiction to K2 are similar to those for marijuana addiction and/or addiction to other drugs.  These include:

• Synthetic marijuana use often have a connection with addiction to other drugs, alcohol or marijuana itself
• Marijuana-dependent individuals who want to dodge a positive drug test but still become intoxicated
• Males are more prone to using K2.
• Lack of parental guidance because of a disruptive home atmosphere
• Records of drug abuse
• Genetics or hereditary predisposition to drug abuse or mental illness
• Exposure to or a demonstrated capacity for criminal activity

Synthetic Cannabinoids Addiction Treatment

Behavioral therapies and medications have not been clearly tested for the treatment of addiction to these products.  Therefore, health care providers should screen clients for possible co-occurring mental health conditions or dual-diagnosis.

Addiction is a chronic illness because it is not a temporary condition like a wound that will heal by itself.  So, if you have concerns about your use of Spice, you can never manage this illness alone.  To emphasize, it is progressive, and you are prone to relapse conditions.  If you are concerned, this is the time to seek help.

It’s never too late to quit taking a drug because it is harming your life.  Firstly, your local Spice and K2 rehab center can help you stop taking the drug and sustain a drug-free lifestyle.  In addition, there are many options for people who want to stop using Spice and K2, so it is necessary to get help as soon as possible.

Most importantly, recovering from K2 drug or spice addiction can be a challenging task, but a drug-free life is achievable.  Call We Level Up NJ today to have a confidential treatment referral and to begin admission.