Synthetic marijuana, or “spice” is not marijuana at all, but rather herbs or other leafy material that is sprayed with unknown lab-synthetic chemicals to produce an experience that is similar to that of cannabis, according to Drugs.com. This misconception makes people believe synthetic marijuana is natural and safe. In reality, synthetic marijuana is more toxic than regular marijuana.
Why Synthetic Marijuana Is More Toxic Than Regular Marijuana
1. Users Think They Are Getting A Natural Product But The Active Ingredient Is Synthetic
Spice is marketed as a safe and legal alternative to marijuana. Product labels may claim that the product contains natural ingredients that will produce a high when consumed. While spice does contain plant material, the active ingredient that produces the high is a synthetic (man-made) substance. This typically makes synthetic marijuana more toxic than its naturally occurring counterpart.
2. Synthetic Marijuana Frequently Contains Similar Chemicals To Schedule I Controlled Substances
It is illegal to buy, sell, or be in possession of drugs in this class. In order to evade the law, makers of the drug substitute different chemicals into the mixture and are constantly changing up the ingredients in an attempt to elude the law.
3. There Is No Way For A Buyer To Know Exactly What He Or She Is Ingesting
When someone buys a package of spice, he or she has absolutely no way of determining what is in the product. There is no quality control or any way to determine what other drugs were used to make it. This is absolutely a case of “Let the Buyer Beware.” Since these packages have uncontrollable blends, the results are unpredictable. This is another reason why synthetic marijuana is more toxic than regular marijuana.
4. Synthetic Marijuana Produces Severe Reactions, Including Fatalities, In Some Users
According to the CDC, calls to poison control centers regarding negative health effects related to synthetic marijuana use, increased 330% from January 2015 to April 2015. The effects of spice are very dangerous and can include confusion, vomiting, anxiety, violent outbreaks, and seizures among others. There have also been reports of this drug causing coma and death.
5. Since Doctors Don’t Know Exactly What’s In Synthetic Marijuana, It’s Difficult To Treat Patients
Doctors are aware of the effects of THC on the body, and understand how a person who has ingested marijuana may respond. The synthetic variety may contain a variety of chemicals, including prescription drugs and opioids, in its ingredient list. Some preparations even include heavy metals.
6. There Is No Way To Determine The Long-Term Effects Of Using Synthetic Marijuana
Since each batch is different, depending on the maker, users are being exposed to a different cocktail of drugs each time they ingest synthetic marijuana. It is impossible to track how use over time affects a person when the type of drugs used cannot be accurately determined.
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