In 2012, 11% of high school students in the US had tried synthetic marijuana.
Synthetic Marijuana is Not a Mixture of Herbs
When the product first began being sold, people were under the impression that the product was a mixture of herbs. However, this was not the case. The herbs in the packages were not the reason that the product produced a high. Instead, the herbs were simply sprayed with a synthetic marijuana mixture.
Scientific Beginnings of Synthetic Marijuana
Surprisingly, the idea for the mixture was developed by a scientist who was studying the effects of marijuana on the brain. The research was funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). When the researcher, John William Huffman, published his research, a German forensic lab took his information and produced their own version. At this point, they began selling the product all over the world to adventurous experimenters.
Side Effects of Synthetic Marijuana
Both marijuana and its synthetic counterpart latch to the CB1 receptors in the brain and produce a euphoric effect. Unfortunately, in the case of synthetic marijuana, those who used the product were also subject to strong and dangerous side effects. These include:
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Vision blackouts
- High blood pressure
- Fast pulse
- Headaches
- Kidney problems
- Agitation
- Psychosis
Why were the side effects so severe? The side effects of synthetic marijuana are due to the strength of the product. The chemicals in synthetic marijuana are anywhere between two and one hundred times as strong as those found in THC. Once these dangers of synthetic marijuana were realized, many countries made regulations to illegalize the drug.
If you think you might have synthetic marijuana addiction, contact RehabInfo.com today at 800-492-QUIT.
Production of Synthetic Marijuana
Another concern about synthetic marijuana relates to the production of the product. When the chemicals are added, they are sprayed on the herbs or soaked into the herbs. As a result, there are inconsistency issues. The intensity can vary across the same batch, producing dangerous intensity hot spots. When an unsuspecting individual gets one of the hot spots, they can develop dangerous side effects that could even lead to death.
In 2010, 11,406 ER visits were associated with synthetic marijuana.
To produce synthetic marijuana, the chemical blends are made through a reverse-extraction process. Manufacturers prepare the blends with high-proof alcohol or acetone solvents. What is a reverse-extraction? A reverse-extraction is when the synthetic molecules are dissolved in the solvent and then sprayed or soaked onto the herbs that will act as the host for the synthetic marijuana.
Many things can go wrong during the development and reverse-extraction process. The individuals producing the products are not scientists. Therefore, it is not unusual for the manufacturers to be inexperienced or careless in their manufacturing processes. Given this fact, there is no guarantee of what chemicals were included in the product or consistency between batches.
Why Do People Use Synthetic Marijuana?
Why did, and why do, people continue to experiment with synthetic marijuana? The main reason that people are attracted to Spice and K2 is because marijuana is illegal in their state. Another reason that people choose to use synthetic marijuana is due to the substance not showing up on a urinalysis. While there are some tests that can now detect synthetic marijuana, the producers continue to switch up the ingredients which make the tests useless. This is attractive to people whose employers conduct drug tests or for those who are involved in the criminal justice system and wish to avoid their drug use being discovered.
Why Do people Use Synthetic Marijuana?
Why did, and why do, people continue to experiment with synthetic marijuana? The main reason that people are attracted to Spice and K2 is because marijuana is illegal in their state. Another reason that people choose to use synthetic marijuana is due to the substance not showing up on a urinalysis. While there are some tests that can now detect synthetic marijuana, the producers continue to switch up the ingredients which make the tests useless. This is attractive to people whose employers conduct drug tests or for those who are involved in the criminal justice system and wish to avoid their drug use being discovered.
Are you worried that one of your loved ones is experimenting with synthetic marijuana?
Due to the dangers of the blends, it is important to let your loved one know how serious the side effects can be. Selecting the right drug rehab center is important to your loved one’s long-term recovery.
