SPICE (Synthetic cannabis, K2, Blaze or Red X Dawn) Dangers Increase in San Diego County

We see multiple problems with the abuse of drugs that people use during the course of chemical dependency.  Drug histories often include years of abusing various hallucinogens, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, stimulants, opiates, sleep agents, inhalants,  prescription drugs including opiates and benzodiazepines, and nicotine. In the past few years there have been an increase in synthetic drugs and the latest reports indicate the dangers of smoking or or otherwise ingesting a synthetic cannabis, called referred to as Spice.



Synthetic cannabis is a psychoactive herbal and chemical product which, when consumed mimics the effects of cannabis. It is best known by the brand names K2 and Spice, both of which have largely become genericized trademarks used to refer to any synthetic cannabis product. There are over 60 different brands with varying chemical makeups.

SPICE is also marketed as "herbal incense", however some brands market their products as "herbal smoking blends". In either case the products are usually smoked by users. Synthetic cannabis does not produce positive results in drug tests for cannabis. But there is now a separate test for it according to Daniel Wheeler of the CID (Criminal Investigation Division of the MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) of San Diego, CA.

On May 11^th, 2011, at NCAAD, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., Mr. Wheeler gave a very thorough  presentation about SPICE and its physical and mental effects on the human body. While THC is the active ingredient in marijuana, THB is the active ingredient in SPICE and its generic counterparts. Designer (synthetic drugs) such as these have become very popular among the military.

The product, Spice, and other varieties that use that name generically, are sold in packets and appear as a shredded green herb, similar to marijuana. The product is a delivery system for synthetic cannabinoids, and when smoked gives users an effect similar to that of smoking marijuana.

What hasn’t been talked about much is that SPICE can be anywhere from 10x to 100x more dangerous than marijuana!  Medical professionals are noticing  and reporting an increasing number of hospitalizations/ ER visits due to consumption of these various products.

Doctors say side effects of the drug (Spice, etc) can include:

• hallucinations, 
• paranoia
• lengthy bouts of psychosis (in some users)
• confusion that can become debilitating
• symptoms can often last days. 

Laboratory analysis shows that Spice contains synthetic cannabinoids which act on the body in a similar way to cannabinoids naturally found in cannabis, such as THC. A large and complex variety of synthetic cannabinoids, most often cannabicyclohexanol, JWH-018, JWH-073, or HU-210, are used in an attempt to avoid the laws which make cannabis illegal, making synthetic cannabis a designer drug. It has been sold under various brand names, online, in head shops and at some gas stations.
 
During recent years Spice has become a cash cow for head shops, but now selling spice, is also a crime. On March 1, 2011, the DEA made Spice illegal nationwide for at least a year. Because of this crack down, users more and more have gone online for procurement.

There is now very little wiggle room for those seeking the high that Spice produces. New rules by most branches of the military and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency make at least one thing clear: Spice will burn you.

If you or someone you care about is using spice or other drugs, including alcohol and would like a confidential assessment, contact us. We can provide treatment for the person who has the addiction and education for the  family members who are also severely effected watching the ones they love slowly destroy themselves and their lives. We can help you to save yourself and your family from the emotional, career and physical disasters that result from chemical abuse and dependency.Our treatment programs are available during the day and evening times and may be covered by your civilian or military insurance.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS
Executive Director
(858) 453-4315