Synthetic marijuana or “fake pot” is a mixture of herbs, spices or shredded plant material that is sprayed with a compound chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Some experts refer to it as chemicals dressed up in a weed costume.
Other names for synthetic marijuana: K2 or Spice, Black Mamba, Bliss,
Bombay Blue, Fake Weed, Genie, Spice, Zohai, Kush, herbal incense.
The most important things to understand about synthetic marijuana is that it is banned in all 50 states and the product isn’t made of just one thing (like natural marijuana comes from one plant).
Fake pot is more like a mix of plants and man-made chemicals that interact with the same cell receptors in the brain as THC, the active ingredient in natural cannabis.
Why is synthetic more dangerous than the natural marijuana?
- Manufacturers of the product are not regulated; the product often is imported from other countries (like China).
- The effects of synthetic cannabinoids can be severe or even life-threatening.
- When inhaled, the effects are instant, intense and unpredictable.
- It’s cheap and easily available on the street—making this a product popular with homeless individuals.
Use of this drug is dangerous and it has led to emergency room visits. Individuals who used synthetic cannabinoids have experienced severe effects including rapid heart rate, vomiting, violent behavior, and even suicidal thoughts.
To learn more about synthetic marijuana, check out this drug fact sheet.
If your child has experimented with accessible drugs like synthetic weed, the first step is education—good job researching this topic so you can make informed decisions!
Your next steps may include learning more about why kids choose to experiment with drugs, professional counseling and family-based intervention techniques.
If you choose a path that includes drug testing and monitoring, know that Bostec Inc. can help. Contact our Lynden, WA drug testing office today to learn more.