Important things to know about synthetic marijuana

With legal weed available in over 50% of the United States, synthetic marijuana still exists. Here's what you need to know about it

Marijuana has become increasingly legal in the United States, but this has not stopped the use of K-2 or spice. It is designed to produce similar reactions to weed, but has some significant disadvantages compared to natural cannabis. Often it is supposed to look like grass, but it doesn't and the dangers are much higher. Here are the most important things you should know about synthetic marijuana.

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What is it?

Synthetic marijuana/fake weed/spice/K-2 is a mixed product. Manufacturers contain ground up plant material and chemicals created in a lab and spray chemicals on the ground up plant material to make it look like marijuana. In reality, they are a group of artificial chemicals that produce a “high” that mimics some of the effects of THC. Natural THC organically binds to the body's cannabinoids and produces powerful effects that can be euphoric and relaxing. Synthetic marijuana attempts to do the same, but sometimes binds to the body's endocannabinoid system in unpredictable ways. Especially since no one really knows what is contained in these products.

Why is it dangerous?

Aside from its unpredictability, synthetic marijuana tends to bind more strongly to the body's endocannabinoid system, creating a stronger bond that is harder to shake. The side effects associated with synthetic weed are dramatic and severe, unlike those associated with regular marijuana use. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these include heart attacks, organ failure, seizures, psychosis, strokes, violent behavior, high blood pressure and more. Researchers believe synthetic marijuana may increase people's chances of suffering from psychiatric illnesses, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression. About a quarter (28%) of synthetic cannabinoid users experienced central nervous system depression or coma – when brain and spinal cord functions slow and breathing, heart rate and cognitive processes become impaired.

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Who is at risk?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people between the ages of 20 and 30 are more likely to be exposed to synthetic cannabis, with men trying it more often than women. Consumers tend to have already tried cannabis or are regular cannabis users.