K2, also called Spice, is a synthetic drug often mistaken for a legal version of 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?
Unlike cannabis, K2 is made by spraying combinations of manufactured chemicals onto dried plant matter. These chemical compounds are designed to replicate the effects of THC, a compound found in cannabis. The effects are far more extreme than those of marijuana though.
Because K2 is chemically uncontrollable, its side effects can be intense and fast-acting. Users of K2 may experience everything from paranoia, aggression, seizures and heart complications.
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. It’s popular among teens and young adults due to low cost and easy access. Spice also has a misleading reputation as a “safe” alternative to marijuana.
In 2022, a national survey by SAMHSA reported that around 786,000 people aged 12 and up had used synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 or Spice.1
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.
FAQS About K2 Side Effects
What are the side effects of using K2/Spice?
K2 can cause many intense side-effects. These side-effects include:
- Severe restlessness or agitation
- Intense feelings of paranoia
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Abnormally fast heart rate
- Nausea and sudden vomiting
- Drug-induced seizures
- Fainting or complete loss of consciousness
In some cases, it has led to kidney damage and fatal overdoses.
Is K2/Spice addictive?
Yes, K2 can be highly addictive. Repeated use can lead to physical dependence and compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
Does K2 cause withdrawal symptoms, and what are they?
K2 withdrawal symptoms can affect the physical and mental health of a user.
Common K2 symptoms can involve:
- Intense cravings
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Tremors
These K2 withdrawal symptoms are often more severe than traditional cannabis withdrawal.
Why is K2 considered more dangerous than natural marijuana?
K2 is made with synthetic chemicals that replicate the THC compound but bind more aggressively to brain receptors. These compounds are untested, unregulated, and often toxic. This can lead to more severe and unpredictable effects than marijuana.
Sources
- Illicit Drug, Illegally Made Fentanyl, or Other Substance Use in Lifetime: Among People Aged 12 or Older.; 2022. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42728/NSDUHDetailedTabs2022/NSDUHDetailedTabs2022/NSDUHDetTabs8-21to8-23se2022.pdf