What is Synthetic Marijuana?

Synthetic marijuana use is rising in the U.S., especially among teens and young adults. Studies show that 11% of college freshmen have used it in the past year. In 2011 alone, over 28,000 emergency room visits were linked to synthetic marijuana.

What Is Synthetic Marijuana?

Synthetic marijuana is a man-made drug created by spraying chemicals onto plant material. Also known as K2 or Spice, it comes in various forms:

• Shredded plant material (similar to potpourri)
• Liquid form for vaping
• Edibles mixed into food or drinks

People typically smoke it through pipes, joints, or blunts.

Is Synthetic Marijuana Dangerous?

Many synthetic marijuana products are labeled as not safe for human consumption. This warning label surrounding synthetic marijuana dangers is critical and should be taken seriously. What are the dangers of synthetic marijuana? Synthetic marijuana is unsafe and can sometimes be life-threatening.

Is Synthetic Marijuana The Same As Marijuana?

Some sellers claim synthetic marijuana is a safe, legal alternative to natural marijuana. This is false. Synthetic marijuana is much stronger and causes unpredictable, dangerous side effects. The chemicals used are not the same as those found in natural cannabis.

What Does Synthetic Marijuana Look Like?

Many people wonder what the difference is between synthetic marijuana vs. natural marijuana, in more familiar terms, natural weed vs. fake weed. Synthetic marijuana, also known as JWH, black mamba, skunk, genie, Bombay blue, or moon rocks, can be purchased in solid or liquid form. Synthetic weed buds have a similar appearance to potpourri.

IMPORTANT: Synthetic marijuana is NOT safe. It can cause seizures, heart attacks, kidney failure, and death. If you or someone you know is using synthetic marijuana, seek help immediately.

Effects of Taking Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana affects the body and mind in dangerous ways. Common side effects include:

MOOD CHANGES AND IRRITABILITY

What are the effects of synthetic marijuana vs. natural marijuana? People generally smoke synthetic marijuana to experience its euphoric effects or achieve a high. It’s essential to understand that inhaling synthetic marijuana chemicals can cause headaches, anxiety, irritability, depression, and agitation.

MEMORY AND FOCUS ISSUES

Confusion, memory, and concentration problems are side effects of synthetic marijuana use. Severe anxiety, paranoia, and confusion are psychotic effects of synthetic marijuana addiction.

SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS

If a person is struggling with synthetic weed addiction, some side effects are like those produced by marijuana. For example, elevated mood, psychosis, and altered perception are shared symptoms of marijuana and synthetic drug addiction.

When people check in to the emergency room for symptoms of synthetic marijuana addiction, adverse health effects include violent behavior and suicidal thoughts. Synthetic marijuana hallucination is also possible.

SEIZURES

Sadly, it is possible for someone to overdose due to synthetic marijuana addiction. Seizures can be one of the synthetic marijuana symptoms of overdose. If someone is seizing, they may be experiencing a drug overdose, especially if multiple substances are involved. Contact emergency medical services immediately for a professional evaluation.

SLEEPINESS AND DIZZINESS

Depending on a person’s characteristics, such as tolerance, the dose taken, the strength of the substance, environment, size, weight, and health, they can experience various synthetic marijuana symptoms. Loss of coordination, sleepiness, and dizziness can be effects of synthetic marijuana addiction.

BREATHING PROBLEMS

If you or someone you know is using synthetic cannabis, breathing difficulties can be a side effect of synthetic weed addiction. Synthetic smoke is full of chemicals and unsafe to ingest.

HEART AND BLOOD PRESSURE PROBLEMS

Synthetic marijuana (sometimes called fake weed) is toxic. It can cause:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain
• Reduced blood flow to the heart
• Stroke

KIDNEY FAILURE

Synthetic drug addiction can lead to kidney damage, toxic reactions, severe hyperthermia, and overdose. People who use synthetic marijuana are also at higher risk for mental health conditions, trouble thinking clearly, tolerance, and dependence.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana is addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), regular users often experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using.

HEADACHES

For people who use synthetic marijuana heavily and regularly, withdrawal symptoms are more likely. Some withdrawal symptoms of synthetic cannabinoids are headaches, vomiting, and nausea.

ANXIETY

If someone withdraws from synthetic marijuana, potential side effects are anxiety, panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, and paranoia. For many people, treatment for dual diagnosis substance use and mental health disorder is an effective intervention.

DEPRESSION

Depression, insomnia, and loss of appetite are withdrawal symptoms of synthetic marijuana.

IRRITABILITY

If you or someone you care about is withdrawing from synthetic marijuana, you may notice increased agitation, irritability, and mood swings. The question is, what do you do about these challenging withdrawal symptoms? Behavioral health treatment is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with substance use and withdrawals.

Treatment For Synthetic Marijuana Addiction With San Diego Detox

San Diego Detox offers evidence-based addiction treatment in a safe, comfortable setting designed with your recovery in mind. The facility provides thoughtfully designed spaces for comfort, safety, and inclusivity. People struggling with synthetic marijuana addiction can safely detox and progress through the continuum of care.

San Diego Detox comes alongside its clients with individualized care plans and healing. Ultimately, individuals gain the knowledge and tools required to maintain sobriety while improving their overall well-being.

Contact San Diego Detox Today and Begin Healing

Knowledgeable and caring clinicians utilize therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), music therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and more.

To begin a journey towards healing and recovery, contact San Diego Detox today. We will be with you every step of the way during your recovery journey; we will equip you with the necessary tools and techniques to achieve and maintain long term wellness.