Synthetic Pot

Are prescription parties becoming passé? The teen trend of sharing pills swiped from their parents’ medicine cabinets has some competition in the form of a new high: Synthetic pot. Also called K2 or Spice, the synthetic substance comes in a variety of flavors and is smoked just like marijuana. It even produces a pot-like high, but unlike marijuana or other illicit drugs, it’s completely legal.

Of course, this has law enforcement, parents and the Drug Enforcement Agency concerned. The unregulated product is manufactured in Asia and sold online and in retail shops, deftly skirting the law by claiming to be “herbal incense” and “not for consumption." A quick Google search proves that’s not how it’s being used, though.

Synthetic Pot Information

So how does it work? The product consists of herbs sprayed with synthetic substances that mimic THC, the naturally-occurring chemical that is responsible for the high produced by marijuana.

The drug began gaining popularity in 2009, when the DEA started receiving reports of abuse. Side effects can include:

·      Respiratory issues

·      Racing heartbeat

·      Panic attacks

·      Hallucinations

·      Delusions

·      Vomiting

·      Increased agitation

·      Dilated pupils

The Future of Synthetic Pot

Despite the dangers, as of March 2010, Kansas is the only state that has banned synthetic marijuana, with lawmakers in Georgia, Utah, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Dakota and Illinois considering similar legislation. Across the Atlantic, K2 has been banned in Great Britain, Germany, Poland and France. Meanwhile, the DEA lists it as a “drug of concern” here in the U.S.

And it’s not just teens that are seeking out synthetic marijuana; it’s also used by parolees and others wanting the physical effects of pot without the risk of a positive drug test.

While the drug is too new to know the full effects and dangers, it’s a sure bet it will be watched closely. Until regulation or legislation is in place, parents, law enforcement and the addiction community needs to remain aware.

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