Commonly known as Spice or K2,
Synthetic Cannabis is a “legal drug” that one would use as a substitute for Marijuana
and may even have a worse effect than the common used illegal drug. Spice
became prevalent in the 2000’s because when tested, users would pass due to the
drug never being identified, and one would come out as clean. Many users
underestimate the effect that Spice, made of herbs, can have on oneself. There
are cases found in which abusers would use the substance and then end up in the
hospital with severe side effects. The six cases that were reported are all
somewhat different, however they have a few factors that are shared. They all
experienced some sort of jerking movement with their body, along with
hallucinations. However, the main common factor was that when tested for drug
use, the results all come out as negative. The herbs that were used to alter
one’s mental state do not show up when screened, and is the main factor as to
why this drug is legal and easily bought. Due to Spice being so new yet so
popular with adolescents, laboratory testing is still in the works. Prior to
November of 2010 the DEA was not aware of Spice and the five substances that
are of concern. The five substances are known as JWH-018, JWH-200, JWH-073,
CP-47,497, and Cannabicyclohexanol. Due to the DEA finding interest in these
substances they were made illegal for a span of one year, for the DEA to
research suspected allegations. By October of 2010, ten states issued these
substances to be banned along with the US Military branches. However, although
the substances were found to be harmful to oneself, adolescents and early
adults are still found to use Spice due to the little consequences that could
be made. Owed research is
necessary to gain understanding of the physical and psychological affects of
the drug with hope to one day prevents others of using.
Carson R., H. (2013, February 1). Synthetic Cannabinoid Intoxication: A Case Series and Review. Retrieved August 31, 2014, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0736467912008876
I think the article you chose is so important, especially now, after the tragic loss of the Liberty student who died from the consequences of one hit of spice. Some of the articles I have read about spice say that it is kept legal by the makers always change one small ingredient after it becomes illegal. They also are advertising it as types of potpourri and even labeling it as "not to be consumed by humans", knowing full well that people are going to ingest the substance despite its dangers. Thanks for sharing!
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