Synthetic Cannabinoids: They're Not Marijuana

Sold under a variety of monikers, most commonly spice and K2, synthetic cannabinoids, while analogues of tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC, are hardly natural substances. First used in Europe, its use has skyrocketed in the United States over the past 10 years, and it has been associated with increasingly severe side effects and even death.

What is Spice and why is the drug so dangerous?

Synthetic cannabis, of which Spice is an example, is linked to serious health issues ranging from difficulties breathing to psychotic episodes. But, despite well-known issues, these drugs are still in demand and homeless people, particularly, are at risk of mental health issues from their use. So what exactly are these drugs made of and why do they cause such violent reactions.

Spice Hospitalizations Make Case for UK Drug Regulation, Not Blanket Ban of Psychoactive Substances

Hospitalizations in the UK from taking synthetic cannabinoids could be avoided through implementing a strict regulatory model for drugs. Instead, the government is pushing ahead with a blanket ban of these and similar substances that will only increase their dangers.

Spike Nation

Cheap, unpredictable and hard to regulate, synthetic marijuana has emergency responders scrambling to save lives.

Surge In Use Of 'Synthetic Marijuana' Still One Step Ahead Of The Law

It's hard to guess what will happen after you smoke or ingest spike, users and drug enforcement officials say, because the chemists who make it are constantly changing the main ingredients — tweaking a cannabinoid's chemical structure, or mixing it with other substances entirely, which can change its effects.

The Dangerous Rise of K2: America's Cheapest High

K2 — the street name for plant matter sprayed with synthetic chemicals, designed to mimic the effects of marijuana's active ingredient — is currently America's cheapest way to get high. The drug is often sold at corner stores, labeled as potpourri and unfit for human consumption. A bag of K2 sells for $5 to $10, while a joint goes for just $1. But the drug's dangerous side effects have taken a toll on a wide variety of communities across the country, particularly in New York City.

The Dangers of the Street Drug K2

Synthetic marijuana lures users with its cheap price and kick; overdoses and violent displays surge.

When “K2” Spice Kills

A study reveals just how harmful cannabis substitutes can be. But despite a string of high-profile deaths linked to the drug, feds have found it a slippery target to crack down on.