SYNTHETIC DRUGS

Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs are chemically laced substances similar to marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines sold over the counter at some convenience stores, gas stations, or tobacco shops.

The chemical make-up divides these into two categories: Cannabinoids and Cathinones. Cannabinoids are known as K2 or Spice, they are chemically formulated versions of synthetic marijuana that consists of lab-manufactured THC. Cathinones are often known as “bath salts”, they contain chemical compounds that mimic the effects of cocaine or meth. These are not intended for human consumption. They are dangerous because buyers do not know the chemicals they are ingesting, some can be two to 500 times stronger than THC. These aren’t illegal because the manufactures adapt simply by replacing the chemical compound being banned, while increasing the risk to the users, who are unaware of the reactions the new chemical may cause.

Packaging is deceiving for they are sold as incense, like Spice, G-Four, K2, and Mojo. They don’t have to list all the ingredients used and the ones they aren’t listing are the potentially dangerous and mind-altering. The products are marked with “not for human consumption” and users are still disobeying this label. These are not any safer or less potent than that of marijuana. Users report greater: -Anxiety, -Nausea, -Paranoia, -Discomfort, -Confusion, and –Desire for feeling to end. Both marijuana and synthetic chemicals negatively affect: -Short-term memory, -Motivation, -Reasoning ability, -Emotional stability, -Learning, and –Stamina. Bottom line: these herbal incenses and smoking mixtures are not herbal, not safe, and in some cases, not legal.

“Bath salts”  are packaged as crystalline powder in a small bag with names on it such as: -Ivory Wave, -Blow, -Red Dove, -Vanilla Sky, -Aura, -Zeus 2, - Zoom, -Bliss, -Blue Silk, - White Lightening, -Ocean, -Charge, -White Dove, and others. “Bath Salts” are a designer drug that has recently become available and can cause severe side effects. Signs/symptoms of this use are: -Severe paranoia, -Violent behavior, -Hallucinations, -Chest pain, -Seizures, -Decreased need for sleep, -Lack of appetite, and –Self-mutilation. Users have symptoms for 2-3 days and report the high as “horrible” and see demons, monsters, foreign soldiers or aliens, and some having to under-go long term psychiatric care because it doesn’t improve.

A big one now that has recently hit the news is a drug called “FLAKKA” also known as alpha-PVP, it is similar to “bath salts” and people are putting it on candies such as “sour patch kids”. “Parents please keep an eye out for an extremely dangerous drug disguised as a popular candy that is being seen across the country. These candies are usually individually wrapped, differentiating themselves from their legitimate counterparts” the Facebook post reads. Just like the rest of the alpha-PVP drugs of this kind can cause “excited delirium” and a feeling of euphoria and “hulk-like” strength. It is a very serious drug that can cause system failures, heart attack, serious risks, or even death! This drug is easily attainable and can be bought online through China. Worse yet, it is very cheap like pocket change for some as little as $3.

Long-term health problems that occur from “bath salt” are: -Kidney failure, -Liver failure, -Increased risk of suicide, -Long-term mental illness, -Self-mutilation, and –Death. These products can contain one of many “designer drugs” such as these currently used ones: -MDPV (methylenediozy pyrovalerone, but it could also contain mephedrone, a Khat derivative.)