Synthetic Cannabis
Synthetic Cannabis/Spice
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Synthetic cannabis is a new psychoactive substance that was originally designed to mimic or produce similar effects to cannabis and has been sold online since 2004. However, some of the newer substances claiming to be synthetic cannabis do not actually mimic the effects of THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in cannabis). Reports suggest it also produces additional negative effects.
These powdered chemicals are mixed with solvents and added to herbs and sold in colourful, branded packets. The chemicals usually vary from batch to batch as manufacturers try to stay ahead of the law, so different packets can produce different effects even if the name and branding on the package looks the same.
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Common Names
Synthetic cannabis is marketed under different brand names.
Spice was the earliest in a series of synthetic cannabis products sold in many European countries. Since then a number of similar products have been developed, such as Kronic, Northern Lights, Mojo, Lightning Gold, Blue Lotus and Godfather. Synthetic cannabis is also marketed as aphrodisiac tea, herbal incense and potpourri.
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How is it used?
It’s most commonly smoked and is sometimes drunk as a tea.
Side Effects of Spice
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There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.
Synthetic cannabis affects everyone differently, based on:
• Size, weight and health
• Whether the person is used to taking it
• Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• The amount taken
• The chemical that is used and its strength (varies from batch to batch)Synthetic cannabis is relatively new, so there is limited information available about its short- and long-term effects, including how safe or unsafe it is to use.
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It has been reported to have similar effects to cannabis along with some additional negative and potentially more harmful ones including:
Fast and irregular heartbeat
Racing thoughts
Agitation, anxiety and paranoia
Psychosis
Aggressive and violent behaviour
Chest pain
Vomiting
Acute kidney injury
Seizures
Stroke
Death
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Long-term effects:
There has been limited research into synthetic cannabis dependence. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that long term, regular use can cause tolerance and dependence. Giving up synthetic cannabis after using it for a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without it.
It has been reported that some people who use synthetic cannabis heavily on a regular basis may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop, including:
Insomnia
Paranoia
Panic attacks
Agitation and irritability
Anxiety
Mood swings
Rapid heartbeat
Why is Spice dangerous?
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Mental Health
People with mental health conditions or a family history of these conditions should avoid using synthetic cannabis. The drug can intensify the symptoms of anxiety and paranoia.
Taking synthetic cannabis in a familiar environment in the company of people who are known and trusted may alleviate any unpleasant emotional effects.
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Use of synthetic cannabis is likely to be more dangerous when:
Taken in combination with alcohol or other drugs, particularly stimulants such as crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) or ecstasy
Driving or operating heavy machinery
Judgment or motor coordination is required
Alone (in case medical assistance is required)
The person has a mental health problem
The person has an existing heart problem
The effects of taking Spice with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.
