Synthetic Cannabis
Synthetic Cannabis is a man-made version of herbal cannabis. It is meant to mimic the effects of natural cannabis but this is not the case, the effects are known to be severe and even life-threatening more it can also be addictive and dangerous to your mental and physical health.
Synthetic cannabis comes falls into the category of Legal Highs or New Psychoactive Substances.
Street Names
Black Mamba
Mr Nice Guy
Spice
Exodus Damnation
K2
How is it made?
Synthetic Cannabis is made, not grown.
Chemicals (known as synthetic cannabinoids) are developed in a lab and mixed with acetone (nail polish remover) and sprayed onto dried herbs, in an effort to mimic the look of natural cannabis. These herbs are then dried out and packaged into bags, then sold. It is often marketed as herbal incense.
How is it used?
Synthetic cannabis is most commonly smoked in a joint with tobacco. It can also be smoked in a pipe, bong or bucket.
It is also possible to eat synthetic cannabis, but due to its potency, this can be very dangerous and can even cause death.
Synthetic chemicals can be sprayed onto paper, cigarette skins, letters or blotting paper and smuggled into prisons for use.
Synthetic Cannabis and The Body
Users of synthetic cannabis report that it may make you feel the following:
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Feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion and tiredness
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Feeling excited, agitated and aggressive
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Mood swings
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Nausea and vomiting
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Tremors, seizures and fits
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Fingers, toes or muscles feel numb and tingly
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Excessive sweating
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Anxiety and paranoia
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Suicidal thoughts
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Memory problems and amnesia
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Hot flushes
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Increased heart rate and blood pressure, which may cause chest pains and damage your heart and even cause a heart attack
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Feelings of being happy, euphoric and relaxed
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Hitting the giggles
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Out of body experiences
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Numbness and lack of care
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Death
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From the list above you will notice that there are more negative effects than there are positive. Using synthetic cannabis is dangerous and can even cause death.
If you are feeling unwell from using synthetic cannabis contact the emergency services.
Potency
Synthetic cannabis is known to be much stronger and more harmful than natural cannabis. It is really hard to dose. If you do decide to try it, use much less than you would compared to natural herbal cannabis.
The Law
Synthetic Cannabis and all New Psychoactive Substances are banned under The Psychoactive Substances Act (2016).
It is illegal to give away or sell.
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Possession
There is no penalty for possessing synthetic cannabis unless you are in prison.
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Supply
Up to 7 years in prison.
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Production
Up to 7 years in prison.
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Driving Offences
Like any drug, if you are caught driving under the influence of drugs you could receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence. Not to mention it is extremely dangerous to yourself and other road users.
Harm Reduction
If you decide to use synthetic cannabis, think about the following harm reduction messages.
Further Information
Have a look at the links below for further reading and information.
TALK TO FRANK - https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/synthetic-cannabinoids
DRUG FACTS - https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/synthetic-cannabinoids-k2spice
DRUG SCIENCE - https://drugscience.org.uk/drug-information/spice/
GOV.SCOT EVIDENCE REVIEW - https://www2.gov.scot/resource/0045/00457682.pdf
SCOTTISH DRUGS FORUM - http://www.sdf.org.uk/tag/synthetic-cannabinoids/
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