Synthetic marijuana is not cannabis. Like the THC in cannabis, however, it works on certain receptors in your brain to alter your mental state. Generally, people use synthetic marijuana because they think it’s a safe, inexpensive shortcut to getting “high.” But, in reality, nobody really knows what’s in this dangerous mix of chemicals that sometimes causes serious injury and death.
For these reasons, if you or someone you care about is using synthetic marijuana, it’s time to stop before something tragic occurs. A drug and alcohol addiction treatment center nearby can help.
What’s in Synthetic Marijuana?
Not unlike meth, unscrupulous manufacturers cook synthetic marijuana up in unapproved labs from a mixture of unknown chemicals. They may then spray it onto plant material, mix it into liquid form for vaping, brew it as tea, or add it to edibles. One batch may be stronger or more contaminated than another, and much synthetic marijuana contains harmful ingredients as fillers. The process of making these drugs also uses dangerous solvents that aren’t safe for human consumption.
Because manufacturers constantly change the ingredients to avoid detection, nobody really knows what’s in the synthetic form of this drug, but the side effects of taking it can lead to death for those who buy a bad dose. Many things can happen to you if you use synthetic marijuana, including:
- Unexplained bleeding
- Respiratory distress
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Coma
Because the ingredients in these drugs are constantly changing, it may be difficult to treat the injury they inflict. Doctors often treat the symptoms without knowing exactly what caused them.
Is Synthetic Marijuana Legal?
Synthetic marijuana is not legal to sell. However, manufacturers get around this legality by labeling their products as unsafe for human consumption and marketing them as incense. You may find them on store shelves in gas stations and convenience stores. But in many states, merchants who sell them can lose their business licenses.
Manufacturers mostly sell these drugs in brightly colored foil packages under names such as Spice, K2, Scooby Snax, or Chronic. They’re marketed this way to appeal to young people. The fact that you can find them over-the-counter makes them feel safe. In reality, synthetic marijuana is far from being approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Can You Become Addicted to Synthetic Marijuana?
It is possible to feel withdrawal symptoms from regular synthetic marijuana abuse. Worse, there’s no proper way to ensure you find more of the same type on which you’ve become dependent. Even if you purchase the same brand from the same manufacturer, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive the same ingredients that your body now craves.
Symptoms of withdrawal from synthetic marijuana abuse may include:
- Profuse sweating
- Disorientation
- Shaking
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Agitation
If you’re a regular user of this dangerous chemical compound, seek professional drug treatment. As a result, in a supervised detox setting, your medical care team can help wean you safely off the chemicals you’ve been ingesting. Additionally, they may use replacement drugs to help block the worst of your withdrawal side effects.
Treatment for Synthetic Marijuana Abuse at Atlantic Recovery Center
If you live in or near the South Florida area, Atlantic Recovery Center offers treatment for synthetic marijuana abuse. As a valued client in our drug and alcohol addiction treatment program, you’ll enjoy our cozy, home-like setting. Atlantic Recovery Center provides a highly personalized treatment experience where we treat clients like family.
For more information on the drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs available at Atlantic Recovery Center in South Florida, visit us online or call today at 1-866-824-5193. Our friendly and compassionate staff is waiting to welcome you in and guide you into a lifetime of sobriety.