The introduction of “K2” or “Spice”- the marijuana substitute that was sold legally for a period of time- added what has become new and dangerous element to the already challenging task of drug prevention. We started seeing K-2 use a couple of years ago; it has since been made illegal, but legal adaptations continue to be developed, and the degree to which I am currently seeing young people using this “fake weed” is STUNNING.

“Synthetic cannabinoid ingredients” are used to avoid the law by adding these to herbal blends to produce effects that mimic THC, the active ingredient found in marijuana. Sold as “herbal incense”, these products are sold in “head shops” and now even in gas stations and convenience stores.

In a legal game of catch me if you can, chemical manufacturers attempt to stay a step ahead of lawmakers as these active ingredients become banned, making the products that contain them illegal. In March 2011 JWH-018 and four similar cannabinoids were classified as Schedule I controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration, making their possession and use illegal in all 50 states.

However, new versions are developed that allow for continued legal distribution of these products, and remain readily available to young people as a legal way to consume dangerous mood altering chemicals and pass drug tests.

The following is reprinted from an article discussing the physical and pharmacological implications for this form of chemical use:

JWH-018 is the active compound in the so called "legal herb" – that gives someone that "high" feeling. Wikipedia.com has published very clear points on the JWH-018 side effects of smoking any herbal incense. Unfortunately the wiki entries fail to distinguish "Withdrawal symptoms" verses the experience of users smoking the synthetic weed. Regardless, addiction is a real and dangerous problem.

"Compared to THC, which is a partial agonist at CB1 receptors, JWH-018 (and many of its analogues) are full agonists. This means that users may experience far more intense effects compared to smoking cannabis. THC has been shown to inhibit GABA neurotransmission in the brain generic aciphex via several pathways. JWH-018 may cause intense:

1. ■anxiety
   

2. ■agitation
   

3. ■seizures or convulsions
   

….by inhibiting GABA neurotransmission more efficiently than THC."

At least one case of psychological dependence (as distinct from physical addiction) has been reported. The user consumed JWH-018 daily for eight months. Withdrawal symptoms were similar to those experienced as a result of psychological cannabis dependence.[13] JWH-018 has been shown to cause profound changes in CB1 receptor density following administration, causing desensitization to its effects more rapidly than related cannabinoids.[14]

Use of this “incense” has become widespread recently, particularly for its inability to be detected in a standard drug test. I have recently done several assessments of clients who are on probation and smoking “fake weed” daily. Some clients genuinely believe that since it’s “legal”, it is not considered drug use. I have even had parents buy the product for their child to offer a substitute for smoking real pot!

What parents should look for:

It typically comes in foil packets with zip-lock tops, and will have statements to the effect of “100% legal ingredients” and “not for human consumption”.   Some brand names are “XXX”, Kush, and “7H”, in addition to Spice, K-2 and Salvia. An example of a sign that parents may not recognize is cigar packages: Kids empty out cigars and place the fake weed inside the empty paper to smoke. Coming across a pack of Swisher Sweets or Black and Milds in your child’s possession would definitely be a cause for further examination.