Spice or K2 Synthetic marijuana, why is it so dangerous?

Spice is a psychoactive substance which was accidentally invented by an organic chemist called John Huffmann at Clemson University in South Carolina, EE.UU.

Huffmann was looking for a new way to develop an anti -inflammatory drug creating different synthetic types of cannabis, and Among them manufactured one called JWH-018.

The chemist declared that the substance was not suitable for human consumption in 2006, but two years later manufacturers began to adjust the formula and sold it as illegal synthetic drugs.

Although in the product sold there are pieces of plants, in reality they have no effect, the effect is produced by the compound with which they are covered.

But Spice is not a drug in itself, but a range of laboratory chemicals to Imitate 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 doses much lower than natural cannabis. This is because, while the THC in cannabis is natural, and only partially reacts with the body, synthetic cannabis reacts much more extensively.

What are the side effects of Spice or K2?

The side effects of Smoking synthetic marijuana  They can be the same, or even much more dangerous, than those of natural grass.

They also depend the amount of different synthetic cannabinoids that the product consumed, the quantity and how it is ingested.

Reports indicate that Spice's pleasant side effects are similar to marijuana, But more intense. These include high mood, relaxation and altered perception.

The unwanted side effects of K2 They are shared with those of marijuana include:

• Psychotic episodes
• Paranoia, increased anxiety and hallucinations.
• Heart rate increase
• Agitation
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Uncontrollable body movements
• Lack of emotional attachment
• Sweating
• Lost of control
• Red eyes
• Dry mouth.

Another side effect that is not shared with natural marijuana is the Increase in hunger. Most cannabis users report a lack of appetite when they consume it.

Why is it so dangerous?

Due to the high power of some synthetic cannabinoids, the intoxication effects are much more powerful. Some people experience Difficulty breathing, fast heart rate and sweating, All of which can lead to a severe anguish crisis. At higher doses, balance and coordination can be severely affected. Users may experience a loss of sensitivity and numbness in its limbs, nausea, collapse and loss of knowledge.

Continued use of synthetic cannabinoids can cause psychotic episodes, which in extreme cases can last weeks, and can exacerbate existing mental diseases in susceptible users.

Bibliographic references

• Bermejo-Bermejo, v. (2014). Spice and K2: Synthetic marijuana. Magazine of Psychiatry and Mental Health, 7 (2), 74-76.
• Castro-Villamor, m. TO., & López-Muñoz, F. (2014). Spice and K2: New forms of psychoactive substances consumption. Magazine of Psychiatry and Mental Health, 7 (2), 88-93.
• Domínguez-Carballo, l. F., & López-Muñoz, F. (2016). Spice and K2: A safe alternative to marijuana?. Neurology Magazine, 62 (Suppl. 1), S107-S113.
• García-Carretero, m. TO., & González-Méndez, M. TO. (2016). Spice and K2: Synthetic marijuana. Annals of Psychology, 32 (3), 797-806.
• Maroto-Sánchez, b., & López-Muñoz, F. (2015). Spice and K2: The new threat. Magazine of Psychiatry and Mental Health, 8 (1), 53-60.