The newest trend in drug-using has been the emergence of synthetic substances produced in a lab to mimic other types of drugs. One very famous artificial drug that everyone will recognize is Fentanyl which is an artificial opioid.
Unfortunately, the market remains for new kinds of drugs, either legal or illegal, for medical uses, like Fentanyl or not. With any new drug or substance, the real dilemma is always going to be about addictions.
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The Invention of Synthetic Marijuana
The latest synthetic concoctions of various chemicals have become lethal. Synthetic drugs, even medically approved Fentanyl, can damage a person’s health and cause a medical emergency. Artificial substances that affect a person like the actual drug have led to the invention of synthetic Marijuana. The difference between synthetic Marijuana and natural Marijuana is enormous.
Differences Between Synthetic and Natural Marijuana
Natural Marijuana is grown in the ground and is a type of crop meant for human consumption to be smoked or ingested as a tea or other herbal preparation. Natural Marijuana is also produced to make various natural products.
For example, hemp is a fiber produced from the Marijuana plant but does not contain the main mind-altering chemical- THC. Hence, people use Marijuana to get high. Earth-grown Marijuana has been in existence for centuries. Most of the world now supports this type of Marijuana to minimize symptoms from various diseases. Natural Marijuana is, however, addictive and can disrupt a person’s life if they abuse it.
Synthetic Marijuana is Created in Labs
The only purpose of artificial Marijuana is to get a person high. The chemical name for this synthetic drug is synthetic cannabinoids. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has identified what this type of Marijuana is and why it is destructive.
Synthetic cannabinoids are human-made mind-altering chemicals. These chemicals are called cannabinoids because they are similar to chemicals found in the Marijuana plant. Because of this similarity, synthetic cannabinoids are sometimes misleadingly called synthetic Marijuana (or fake weed). They are often marketed as safe, legal alternatives to that drug. They are not safe and may affect the brain much more powerfully than marijuana; their actual effects can be unpredictable and, in some cases, more dangerous or even life-threatening. (NIDA)
Different Names of Synthetic Marijuana
Cannabinoids are sold as fictitious products inside of head shops and in some gas stations in various communities. The most well-known synthetic weed goes by the name of K-2 or Spice. Other words for synthetic Marijuana includes:
- Incense
- Smokey
- JWH
- Skunk
- Black mamba
- Bombay
- Blue genie
- Zohai
- Moon rocks
- Yucatan fire
The Danger of Marijuana Dependence
Most drug-using cultures that are ingesting Spice are already trying and abusing other drugs. Also, the products marketed as synthetic Marijuana do not label their package as a type of Marijuana. Instead, the packages are fictitious products. Most often, they are labeled as incense or deodorizer or potpourri.
They are also clearly marked as not meant for human consumption. The only reason anyone buys these products is to use them to change how they feel. This is because the dangers associated with synthetic Marijuana versus natural Marijuana are so very extreme. The National Institute on Drug Abuse also references how synthetic Marijuana compares to natural Marijuana.
People who use synthetic cannabinoid report the following effects with some similar to natural Marijuana and others that are dangerous: relaxation, elevated mood, altered perception, psychosis, fast heart rate, throwing up, extreme anxiety or nervousness, hallucinations, feeling confused, violent behavior, suicidal thoughts. (NIDA)
Start Healing For Marijuana Misuse at Garden State Treatment Center
If you are struggling with an addiction to synthetic or natural Marijuana, the issue is about providing you immediate attention and help. Most people who become addicted to any type of drug or alcohol need professional counseling and support to learn why they desire to be high.
Something is troubling these people, and they need love and support. Reach out to an addiction specialist at Garden State Treatment Center to begin treatment today.