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24/7 HelplineSpice and K2 are names for synthetic cannabinoids. They are also known as synthetic marijuana and are prepared from dried plant material, infused with a synthetic cannabinoid. Owing to the ease of their availability and improper guise of safety, K2 and Spice carry much appeal to teenagers and young adults. Often advertised as a natural marijuana, substances like Spice and K2 are sometimes marketed as the safe version of these drugs, but that is far from the truth: they are often far more dangerous and addictive than regular marijuana.
Spice/ K2 is part of a group of drugs known as new psychoactive substances (NPS). Bath salts also belong to the same group and are unregulated psychoactive, meaning they have mind-altering effects when used. Much like bath salts, it’s almost impossible to determine what drugs like Spice or K2 are actually made of, which makes using them that much more dangerous.
Consumed for experiencing effects like euphoria, relaxation and altered perception, these drugs often cause dangerous side effects like panic attacks, hypertension, hallucinations, paranoia, aggression and increased heart rate. Sold as herbal incense, potpourri and other substances under various names, including K2 and Spice, these products are often labeled “not for human consumption” in an attempt to shield distributors, manufacturers and sellers from criminal prosecution.
These drugs are also available in liquid form, which can be vaped or smoked. Some of the street names of synthetic marijuana include “spice,” “K2,” “black magic,” “fire,” “crazy clown,” “serenity,” “genie,” and “smoke.” Spice/K2 actually look harmless: it often comes in foil packets, filled with a mix of herbs, with the synthetic cannabinoid sprayed onto those plants. As users may never know the exact composition of the drug they are ingesting, synthetic drugs can be dangerous and unpredictable, thereby, increasing the chances of causing potentially life-threatening consequences to their users.
