Mojo Synthetic Weed

A new set of designer drugs has experts worried. Referred to collectively as Mojo, these man-made chemicals have taken communities by surprise, sending large numbers of people to hospitals around the country. Most people know these substances by their other street names—Spice, K2, Cloud 9, and Scooby Snax. Whatever you call them, synthetic cannabinoids have caused a great deal of confusion (and harm) among users.

What Are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Synthetic marijuana refers to a group of chemicals. The only relation between these chemicals and marijuana is that they bind to the same receptors in the brain as THC. Beyond that, the chemical composition of synthetic marijuana bears little resemblance to its namesake.

Manufactured to mimic the effects of marijuana, variations of synthetic weed nonetheless belong to a far more dangerous family of substances. In recent years, these synthetic drugs have risen in popularity due to their vague legal status, the ease with which they’re obtained, the lack of drug-testing capabilities, and the false belief that they pose fewer risks than other drugs on the market.

How Do People Use Designer Marijuana?

Artificial weed comes in a variety of forms. In most cases, it’s created by spraying synthetic chemicals on natural herbs or plant matter, which is then smoked. Others prefer to buy it in liquid form, which they can vaporize and then inhale. Those who smoke synthetic weed may believe they’re inhaling a substance similar to marijuana. Nothing could be further from the truth. Although the plant material may be harmless, the mind-altering chemicals are not.

Don’t Underestimate the Dangers of Synthetic Weed

Synthetic weed should never be confused with natural marijuana. Unlike marijuana, it can cause severe and unpredictable effects on users, from mental and psychological disturbances to severe physical problems. In some cases, it can even be life-threatening. In nearly all cases, it carries the potential for addiction. In fact, the drugs are so dangerous they usually contain the label “not for human consumption.”

Mental Effects

• Psychosis
• Extreme anxiety
• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Addiction

 

Behavioral Effects

• Violent or aggressive behavior
• Suicidal thoughts

Physical Effects

• Rapid heart rate
• Vomiting
• Increased blood pressure
• Reduced blood supply to the heart
• Kidney damage
• Seizures
• Death

 

A Case of False Advertising

In spite of the warning, mojo drugs have fooled many people. Deceived by catchy names and brightly colored packaging featuring cartoon characters, they believe these new psychoactive drugs carry fewer risks than marijuana.

It doesn’t help that many suppliers falsely advertise them as legal alternatives to THC. Although still legal in most states, synthetic weed nonetheless poses far more medical risks than marijuana. Take one of these drugs, and you may not go to jail but you may suffer a psychotic break, renal failure, a lifetime of addiction, or even sudden death.

Unfortunately, those who make money off these drugs have repeatedly frustrated attempts to crack down on the growing epidemic. As soon as lawmakers prohibit a certain form of synthetic drugs, manufacturers alter the chemical formula to skirt around the law.

Don’t Let Synthetic Drugs Take Over Your Life

It’s important that people educate themselves about the dangers of synthetic drugs. False claims and deceptive packaging have lulled too many into a false sense of security. If you or someone you love has experimented with synthetic weed or struggles with dependency issues, it’s critical that they reach out to a trusted drug rehab facility like RECO Intensive. Together, we can get back a brighter future.