While marijuana is generally derived from the cannabis plant, there are strains of marijuana available on the streets that are dangerous and unnatural, and can significantly increase one’s risk for addiction, overdose, and death. This type of marijuana is known as synthetic marijuana, and is commonly sold under street names K2 and Spice . Synthetic marijuana is usually a mixture of non-cannabis herbs and plants such as oregano that have been sprayed with dangerous, mind-altering chemicals like embalming fluid.
Synthetic marijuana binds to the same cannabinoid receptors as THC and CBD, but is usually between two and 100 times more potent, and causes severe side effects.
Common side effects of synthetic marijuana:
- Vomiting
- Vision blackouts
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Agitation
- Psychosis
- Kidney damage
Synthetic marijuana is made in China and other Pacific Rim countries, and sent to the U.S. for distribution on the streets. In April 2015, a dangerous batch of synthetic pot led to the hospitalization of 160 people in New York within one week, and caused one overdose death in Virginia. Synthetic and street marijuana in the U.S. is often laced with potent deadly substances such as codeine, PCP, and fentanyl — driving the risk for addiction and overdose even higher.