Synthetic cannabinoids are becoming increasingly popular, but the health and safety risks associated with them should not be overlooked. Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made substances that mimic the effects of marijuana when ingested or smoked, though they often have much stronger and more dangerous effects in many cases.
What Are Synthetic Cannabinoids?
Synthetic cannabinoids are chemicals created in a lab to mimic the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. They are usually sprayed on dried plant material and smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices.
Synthetic cannabinoids are sometimes called “synthetic marijuana,” “fake weed,” “legal highs,” or “Spice/K2” because they produce similar effects to those produced by cannabis but with differences such as increased potency and longer duration of action.
Can Someone Overdose or Die from Them?
Yes, it is possible to overdose or die from synthetic cannabinoids. These products can be more potent than cannabis and have unpredictable effects due to their changing chemical composition from batch to batch. Some synthetic cannabinoid products also contain harmful additives when smoked or ingested.
What Is Spice/K2?
Spice, also known as K2, is a brand name for synthetic cannabinoids that are sprayed onto dried plant material and smoked or sold as liquids to vaporize and inhale in e-cigarettes and other devices.
The effects of Spice/K2 vary from person to person and can depend on the amount taken, but generally, people report feeling relaxed or euphoric. Other reported effects include increased heart rate, altered perception of time and space, paranoia or anxiety, confusion, or disorientation.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
The potential side effects of Spice/K2 include increased heart rate, altered perception of time and space, paranoia or anxiety, confusion or disorientation, nausea and vomiting, sweating, and dizziness.
Long-term use may lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability, insomnia, and depression. Additionally, long-term side effects may include respiratory problems due to inhaling smoke or vaporized liquid, kidney damage from impurities found in some products, and increased risk for seizures, tremors, violent behavior, and death.
What Are the Withdrawal Effects from Spice/K2?
Withdrawal effects from Spice/K2 can include cravings, irritability, insomnia, and depression. Additionally, users may experience increased anxiety or paranoia as well as physical symptoms such as sweating, nausea, and vomiting. At this point, a medically monitored detox can be of great help to rid the body of the effects of the drug.
What Is Delta–8?
Delta–8 is a synthetic cannabinoid produced in a lab that is similar to Delta–9 THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. It has some of the same effects as Delta-9, including euphoria and relaxation, but with less intensity.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
The potential side effects of Delta-8 include dry mouth, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Additionally, long-term use may lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability, insomnia, and depression.
What Is Delta-9?
Delta-9 is the psychoactive component of cannabis. It is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. Delta-9 can produce a variety of effects depending on the individual and the dose, but generally, users report feeling relaxed or euphoric. Other reported effects include increased heart rate, altered perception of time and space, paranoia or anxiety, confusion, or disorientation.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
The potential side effects of Delta-9 are the same as Delta-8. However, people addicted to Delta-9 may experience more intense withdrawal symptoms. Examples of these long-term side effects can include addiction, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability.
Synthetic Marijuana: Signs of Abuse
Signs of abuse of synthetic marijuana include changes in behavior, mood, and physical appearance. Some symptoms may include increased irritability, lack of motivation or interest in activities that were once enjoyed, red eyes, sweating, dilated pupils, slurred speech, and impaired coordination. Additionally, users may experience paranoia or anxiety as well as physical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Synthetic Marijuana: Withdrawal Effects
Withdrawal effects from synthetic marijuana can include cravings, irritability, insomnia, and depression. Additionally, users may experience increased anxiety or paranoia as well as physical symptoms such as sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
Synthetic Marijuana: Side Effects
The side effects of synthetic cannabinoids can vary depending on the specific product, but generally, they produce similar effects to those produced by cannabis. These may include euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time and space, increased appetite, anxiety, or paranoia. They can also cause rapid heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, and confusion.
The less desirable side effects from continued use of synthetic marijuana can include respiratory problems, kidney damage, psychosis, schizophrenia, and accidental overdose.
How Detox Treatment Helps
Detox treatment for synthetic marijuana addiction can help to reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Treatment typically includes medical detoxification, behavioral therapy, counseling, and relapse prevention education. In addition, medications may be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Medical supervision is recommended throughout the detox process in order to ensure patient safety.
Get Personalized Luxury Medical Detox in Nashville, TN
When you are struggling with synthetic cannabinoid use, help is available at Detox Nashville in Tennessee. We provide a caring and supportive environment with personalized treatment at our luxury detox center. We also offer a variety of treatments for other addictions.
Take the first steps to recovery today by contacting us.
