Synthetic Cannabis

Synthetic cannabis is supposed to be like real weed. Because they are synthetic or man-made, the side effects can be different from batch to batch, which can increase the chance of overdose. It is a depressant that can have hallucinogenic elements.

Synthetic cannabis is sometimes called Kronic, K2, Spice, Zeus, Tai high, Puff, Northern lights, Marley, or Blue lotus. It is usually herbs sprayed with chemicals so they look like real cannabis. They are often sold online, in adult stores or in herbal high shops. The laws around synthetics are constantly changing.

Synthetics are smoked in a bong, pipe, joint, eaten or sometimes drunk. When synthetic cannabis originally entered the scene reports were that it had similar effects to cannabis.

The effects of synthetic cannabis include: feeling more relaxed, being less able to concentrate, and slower reaction times. You might also have auditory and visual hallucinations or anxiety and panic.

Some synthetic cannabis users are reporting some negative, harmful effects like: fast and irregular heartbeat, racing thoughts, agitation, anxiety and paranoia, psychosis, aggression, chest pains, vomiting, seizures, stroke or death. Call an ambulance if these symptoms occur.

It is really important to remember that we cannot always be sure what chemicals are being used in synthetic cannabis and that it can change from batch to batch.

The main difference between real cannabis and synthetic cannabis is that it’s hard to overdose on real cannabis, but there are reports of overdose or bad reactions to synthetic cannabis.

If you use synthetic cannabis it is important to know how to be as safe as possible:

  • Take regular breaks from smoking to avoid dependency

  • Use a small amount to start with as you can’t know how strong it is

  • Let the previous dose wear off before using again

  • Use regular cannabis

  • Avoid using alone

  • Avoid using if you have mental health concerns

  • Call and ambulance if you are worried about yourself or someone else

See the Australian Drug Foundation for more drug facts

Eche