Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 and Spice, is a drug that has become increasingly popular over the years as more younger generations assume it is a legal alternative to marijuana. Often labeled “not for human consumption” to mask their intent from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, the dangerous substance continues to appear at local retailers.
Although many agencies are attempting to combat1 this popular and dangerous substance, K2’s popularity has led to an increased amount of deadly risks.
Read on to understand what K2 is, the K2 side effects, and how to find effective treatment near you. Tree House Recovery understands that addiction is a complex issue. Call today to see how our supportive and compassionate staff can help you or a loved one overcome addiction to synthetic weed and lead a healthier, happier life.
What Is Synthetic Marijuana?
Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 or Spice, is a lab-created drug that is supposed to mimic the effects of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.
Unlike marijuana, K2 consists of a mix of chemicals that is sprayed onto a dried plant material, making its effects unpredictable and often unsafe.
You can find K2 sold online and in convenience stores falsely marketed as legit or safe alternatives to marijuana. However, K2 is unregulated and the chemical composition can vary drastically, leading to severe and potentially life-threatening effects.
K2 Side Effects
Side effects of using K2 can be significantly stronger and less predictable than cannabis due to it being synthesized.
Common side effects of Spice include:
- Extreme confusion or paranoia
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Increased heart rate and high blood pressure
- Vomiting and nausea
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Kidney damage or failure
- Suicidal thoughts
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone who uses K2 is at risk due to the unpredictableness of its effects. Certain groups such as young adults and teenagers may be at higher risk, as they may be drawn to synthetic marijuana due to its ease of accessibility and misleading reputation as a “safe” alternative to marijuana.
The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 786,000 people aged 12 and older had used synthetic marijuana (K2).2
Signs and Symptoms of K2 Misuse
There are four categories of signs and symptoms that K2 use can fall under:
Behavioral Symptoms
- Dishonesty about activities and whereabouts
- Decreased productivity at work or school
- Repeated, unexplained absences from responsibilities
- Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene
- Engaging in theft to obtain more synthetic marijuana
- Using synthetic marijuana in unsafe situations
Physical Symptoms
- Red or irritated eyes
- Profuse sweating
- Elevated blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Uncontrolled muscle tremors
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting
- Tingling or loss of sensation in hands and feet
Cognitive Symptoms
- Mental confusion
- Feeling detached from oneself or surroundings
- Difficulty recognizing time, place, or identity
- Experiencing false perceptions or sensory distortions
- Intense suspicion or irrational fears
- Losing touch with reality
Psychosocial Symptoms
- Restlessness and heightened agitation
- Persistent nervousness or unease
- Ongoing sadness or feelings of hopelessness
- Easily angered or frustrated
- Unpredictable emotional fluctuations
K2 Withdrawal & Overdose
K2 users can experience mild to moderate withdrawals when trying to quit use.
Effects of K2 Withdrawal
If you use K2 or Spice regularly, you may notice withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop including:
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Severe anxiety and depression
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Heavy sweating
- Tremors
Effects of K2 Overdose
When someone uses more K2 than their body can handle, they can overdose. Some of the effects of an overdose from spice include:
- Severe confusion and paranoia
- Violent aggression
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness or coma
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Organ failure
- Respiratory distress leading to death
Immediate medical intervention is critical in the event of a suspected K2 overdose.
Find K2 Addiction Treatment Near Me
If you or a loved one are struggling with K2 use, the first step to recovery is finding a treatment center near you. A great way to start your search is to speak with a doctor, therapist, or addiction specialist. They can guide you toward treatment centers near you that have a good substance abuse treatment success rate.
Tree House Recovery is also a resource for K2 addiction treatment. We treat Spice addiction and have an admissions team that is here to help guide you towards recovery as soon as possible. Feel free to call (910) 812-1728 and start your recovery journey.
Sources
- Hu, X., Primack, B. A., Barnett, T. E., & Cook, R. L. (2011). College students and use of K2: an emerging drug of abuse in young persons. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 6, 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/1747-597X-6-16
SAMHSA, C. for B. H. S. and Q. (n.d.). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States:results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and health. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42731/2022-nsduh-annual-national-web-110923/2022-nsduh-nnr.htm