What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids are human-made mind-altering chemicals that
are either sprayed on dried, shredded plant material so they can be
smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes
and other devices. These products are also known as herbal or liquid
incense. Synthetic cannabinoids are part of a group of drugs called new
psychoactive substances (NPS). NPS are unregulated mind-altering
substances that have become newly available on the market and are
intended to produce the same effects as illegal drugs. Synthetic
cannabinoids are sometimes misleadingly called “synthetic
marijuana” (or “fake weed”) and hundreds of brands now exist,
including K2, Spice, Joker, Black Mamba, Kush, and Kronic.
False Advertising
Synthetic cannabinoid products are often labeled “not for human
consumption.” Labels also often claim that they contain “natural”
material taken from a variety of plants. However, the only parts of
these products that are natural are the dried plant materials. Chemical
tests show that the active, mind-altering ingredients are cannabinoid
compounds made in laboratories. In fact, they are not safe and may
affect the brain much more powerfully than marijuana; their actual
effects can be unpredictable and, in some cases, more dangerous or
even life-threatening.
Easy Access?
For several years, synthetic cannabinoid mixtures have been easy to
buy in drug paraphernalia shops, novelty stores, gas stations, and over the internet. Manufacturers sell
these products in colorful foil packages and plastic bottles to attract consumers. Because the chemicals
used in them have no medical benefit and a high potential for abuse, authorities have made it illegal to
sell, buy, or possess some of these chemicals. However, manufacturers try to sidestep these laws by
changing the chemical formulas in their mixtures.
Easy access and the belief that synthetic cannabinoid products are “natural” and therefore harmless, have
likely contributed to their use among young people. Another reason for their continued use is that
standard drug tests cannot easily detect many of the chemicals used in these products.
Connecticut
Resources
Department of Mental
Health and Addiction
Services
www.ct.gov/dmhas
National Resources
Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services
Administration
www.samhsa.gov
1.800.662.HELP (4357)
National Institute on
Drug Abuse
www.drugabuse.gov
National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018
K2spicesynethiccannabinoids112018
How do People Use Synthetic Cannabinoids?
The most common way to use synthetic cannabinoids is to smoke the dried
plant material. Users also mix the sprayed plant material with marijuana or
brew it as tea. Other users buy synthetic cannabinoid products as liquids to
vaporize in e-cigarettes.
How do Synthetic Cannabinoids Affect the Brain?
Synthetic cannabinoids act on the same brain cell receptors as THC (delta-9
-tetrahydrocannabinol), the mind-altering ingredient in marijuana.
Because the chemical composition of many synthetic cannabinoid products
is unknown and may change from batch to batch, these products are likely
to contain substances that cause dramatically different effects than
expected.
Synthetic cannabinoid users report some effects similar to those produced
by marijuana including elevated mood, relaxation, altered perception and
symptoms of psychosis. Some psychotic effects include extreme anxiety,
confusion, paranoia and hallucinations.
What are Some Other Health Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids?
People who have used synthetic cannabinoids and have been taken to
emergency rooms have shown severe effects including:
Synthetic cannabinoids can also raise blood pressure and cause reduced blood supply to the heart, as
well as kidney damage and seizures. Use of these drugs is associated with a rising number of deaths.
Are Synthetic Cannabinoids Addictive?
Yes, synthetic cannabinoids can be addictive. Regular users trying to quit may have the following
withdrawal symptoms:
 rapid heart rate
 violent behavior
 vomiting
 suicidal thoughts
 headaches
 depression
 anxiety
 irritability
Behavioral therapies and medications have not specifically been
tested for treatment of addiction to these products. Health care
providers should screen patients for possible co-occurring mental health
conditions.