We live in a world that is complicated and dynamic. Every day we are faced with new technology, new media, and new ways of thinking. This ever-changing world even influences the ways and speed that drugs people may use are altered and distributed. The so-called “Designer Drugs” are new drugs on the in our communities whose structure has been chemically altered in order to get around existing drug laws. One of these drugs of concern is Synthetic Marijuana.

Commonly called Spice or K2, Synthetic Marijuana contains a chemically altered strain (or combinations of strains) of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But this is no normal or naturally occurring THC; in fact, studies show this synthetic THC is much more potent, much more unpredictable, and the effects are much more severe. The side effects associated with Synthetic Marijuana are also much different than those of naturally occurring THC. The side effects can include: paranoia, confusion, loss of consciousness, psychotic episodes, rapid heart rate, and death.

Although five strains of synthetic THC were put on the emergency ban list by the Drug Enforcement Agency in March of 2011, Synthetic Marijuana is still being purchased and used right here in Tompkins County. Knowledge is the most powerful prevention tool to use to help people stay away from these designer drugs. For more information, please the Synthetic Marijuana Fact Sheet that you can print and share with others, or contact Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County at info@alcoholdrugcouncil.org or call (607) 274-6288.