The conversation surrounding marijuana has been supercharged in recent years. Primarily this is because many states are passing legislation to legalize marijuana both for medicinal and recreational purposes. However, while “traditional” marijuana is getting this elevated amount of press, synthetic marijuana is often being ignored. This is unfortunate because synthetic marijuana is dangerous and is heavily used among adolescents.
Synthetic marijuana is nothing new to the market. However, reports of new negative side effects of synthetic marijuana continue to emerge. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Synthetic cannabinoid products can be toxic. As a result, people who smoke these products can react with rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Some have to get help from emergency medical services or in hospital emergency departments or intensive care units.”
The reality is that teenagers continue to experiment with synthetic marijuana. This is why it is so critical to better understand what synthetic marijuana is, what synthetic marijuana side effects look like, and what treatment options are available.
What Exactly Is Synthetic Marijuana?
The components of synthetic marijuana are not hard to understand. According to the N ational I nstitute on D rug A buse (NIDA), “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.”
An interesting aspect of synthetic marijuana is that legislation was passed back in 2012 that made synthetic cannabinoids illegal. However, as with most harmful substances that target teenagers, manufacturers of synthetic marijuana have found ways around this legislation. The primary way in which they do this is by slightly altering the chemical compound and rebranding it with a new “catchy” name.
According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, some of the “street names” for synthetic marijuana are “Bliss, Black Mamba, Blaze, Bombay Blue, Fake Weed, Legal Weed, Genie, Zohai, Red X, Dawn Scooby Skunk, [and] Snax.” These catchy-sounding names are meant to minimize the appearance of danger and make them sound more appealing to adolescents. The issue is of course that even with a cute name, synthetic marijuana can be extremely dangerous.
What Are Some of the Warning Signs of Synthetic Marijuana Use?
Aside from overhearing your daughter use some of the street names of synthetic marijuana, there are other warning signs to watch for. Some of the common warning signs of synthetic marijuana use include, but are not limited to:
- Displays of hyperactivity, as well as displays of lethargy (these often alternate regularly from one to the other)
- Exhibiting excessive anger, as well as displaying uncontrolled outbursts
- Being physically and/or violently aggressive
- Slurring speech
- Displaying mental lapses and confused behaviors
- Acting incapacitated or having trouble with mobility
What Are the Dangers of Using Synthetic Marijuana?
There are also specific dangers that come from using synthetic marijuana that you should be aware of. Some of these dangers include, but are not limited to:
- Experiencing a rapid and/or irregular heartbeat, which can lead to cardiac arrest
- Having panic attacks or other bouts of severe anxiety, which can lead to more serious mental health disorders
- Experiencing seizures, extreme changes in blood pressure, and uncontrollable vomiting, which can all lead to serious harm
- Showing a noticeable drop in academic achievement and participation
- Engaging in risky and dangerous behaviors
- Having legal ramifications
- Experiencing deep bouts of depression, which can lead to self-harm or even suicide attempts
Understanding some of the warning signs and risks associated with synthetic marijuana is important. It can also be understandably scary and concerning. Fortunately, there are many recovery options for those struggling with synthetic marijuana addiction.
What Are Some Treatment Options for Long-Term Recovery?
The truth is that treating synthetic marijuana addiction is not all that different from treating any other substance use disorder. It can be treated in a three-tiered approach. These tiers consist of treatments in the emotional, behavioral, and holistic categories.
For the emotional aspect of synthetic marijuana addiction, a focus on therapy and psychotherapy can be an effective recovery tool. These therapies may include “traditional” therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and experiential therapies like equine therapy. For the behavioral effects of synthetic marijuana addiction, a neuroscientific approach can be highly effective. This may include neurofeedback and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Lastly, holistic practices can be a highly beneficial complement to an already established evidence-based recovery plan. Some of these practices may include yoga, breathwork exercises, and meditation.
When it comes to synthetic marijuana, the truth is that it can be much more harmful than many people realize. The truth is also that sellers of synthetic marijuana primarily target adolescent populations. When you put those two factors together, there is no doubt that combating synthetic marijuana use must continue to be a priority.
Synthetic marijuana, officially categorized as synthetic cannabinoids, has become a popular substance amount adolescents. Synthetic cannabinoids, more commonly known by their street names of K2, spice, and even simply “fake weed,” can often be minimized as safe and harmless. This is simply not the case. The truth is that their effects can be harmful to the body, especially the still-developing adolescent brain. Their effects can also be highly unpredictable because they are not regulated and are highly toxic. Synthetic marijuana has also been shown to be fatal in some instances. If you feel like your child or teenager is abusing synthetic marijuana, there is help. For more information on synthetic cannabinoids, please call Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.
