What is K2?
K2, also known as spice, is a synthetic or lab created version of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. K2 is often sprayed on crushed leaves to mimic the appearance of weed. It can have the same effects on the body as marijuana, such as excitement or lethargy.
People often use K2 with the same intention as using marijuana – to get high. But K2 is not the same as marijuana and is actually 100 times stronger.
K2 is put into papers, pipes, and e-cigarettes and smoked. It’s also drank as a tea. On the street, K2 is also known as legal weed, Bliss, Black Mamba, Blaze, Bombay Blue, Fake Weed, Legal Weed, Genie, Zohai, Red X, Dawn Scooby Skunk, and Snax.
Is K2 dangerous?
K2 is dangerous for several reasons. It should be avoided in all circumstances. Here are six reasons K2 is dangerous.
K2 is illegal
All forms of synthetic marijuana, including K2, are illegal in the United States. That means it’s a crime to make, sell, distribute, or consume it.
K2 is not regulated by the Federal Drug Administration
Unlike other drugs in the U.S., K2 is not regulated by the FDA, which means it hasn’t been vigorously checked and tested for human consumption. Therefore, no amount has been determined to be safe or healthy.
Its potency is unknown
Because K2 is not manufactured by a legal entity, there’s no way of knowing how much of the chemical is present. You cannot look at a batch of synthetic weed and tell what’s in it or if it’s laced with other drugs. This is dangerous because someone can unknowingly consume K2 that has lethal amounts of chemicals.
K2 is more potent than weed
K2 has powerful effects on the body. People who take K2 have experienced paranoia, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, giddiness, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, convulsions, and even death.
K2 is addictive
Like most other drugs, K2 is addictive. And once an addiction forms, it’s hard to beat. Addictions also affect many parts of a user’s life, including their career, family relationships, and health.
It can lead to overdose
There have been reports of fatal overdoses from K2. In some cases, consuming the drug led to heart attacks or life-threatening kidney failure. The risk of fatal overdose increases if the K2 is laced with other drugs, such as fentanyl.
Treatment for synthetic marijuana addiction
At Skyward Treatment Center, we understand the seriousness of K2 addiction and treat it with compassion and expertise. We also know how hard it is to quit K2 and the difficult symptoms users face. That’s why we don’t anyone to try to quit on their own.
We offer a wide range of personalized detox plans to help people become sober for life. Depending on the severity of the addiction, we provide inpatient residential treatment and outpatient programs.
We’re available 24/7 and offer same-day admissions. Call 713-815-4471 or complete our online form to learn how we can help.
Sources
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/synthetic-cannabinoids-k2spice