Synthetic cannabinoids-- a class of chemicals that differ from the cannabinoids found in cannabis, but which also bind to cannabinoid receptors (a part of the Endocannabinoid system). This certain chemical(s) is otherwise known as “fake weed,” an expensive drug that has seemingly far worse effects than legitimate marijuana. The use of fake weed has been growing rapidly recently, especially amongst teenagers. The heightening increase of those utilizing fake weed has stirred up dissension and debate over the legality and dangers of synthetic cannabinoids across America.
Many (anonymous) users and witnesses of uses of fake weed have reported that the effects of it are certainly powerful, and more often than not, dangerous--synthetic cannabinoids create a similar sensation to to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), though, as reported by users, it is a more intense feeling. According to newly found research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), younger people who smoke synthetic marijuana are more likely to use other drugs and alcohol as well. The CDC also found that these teenagers also tend to behave violently and aggressively towards others and have high-risk sex, as stated in an article published in the journal Pediatrics. One researcher of the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health, Heather ClLayton, recently performed surveys and analysis’ amongst high schoolers across the nation--as a result, an estimated total of 15,624 high school students reported behaviors in four specific areas: injury and violence, substance use, mental health and sexual health.
A large third of the students surveyed amongst these analyses’ reportedly used or tried to use marijuana, as well as synthetic cannabinoids. Researchers have determined that it is certainly synthetic cannabinoids that have a worse effect on young people (than legitimate marijuana does).
A sample of one type of spice known as "fake weed"
In most cases, marijuana is illegal--but what about fake weed? There are no established laws regarding synthetic cannabinoids--yet. In the past five years, the use of fake weed has grown an alarming amount, and so have the court cases dealing with these issues. For example, the most recent case was about Irfan
Ghaffar, a 52 year-old man arrested and sentenced to seven years in federal prison followed by three years of release with supervision for his role in a “synthetic marijuana distribution scheme.” This issue is controversial though, due to the lack of settled terms and laws of the legality of the drug; it is more likely to be considered illegal than legal, as seen in multiple court rulings.
"Fake weed" has been ruled in court as illegal and known to be dangerous to users
What are the effects of synthetic weed, and are they different from legitimate marijuana? This may be the biggest danger of fake weed--there are no known effects of it. Each user of this drug report to all have widely varying effects, some similar, others very contrasting. Commonly seen behavioral symptoms are extreme stints of hyperactivity and lethargy, as well as physical aggression. Physical effects relate to nausea, seizures, heart palpitations, muscle spasms, and frequent headaches. To name a few long-term effects of spice, depression and extreme anxiety have also been evidently seen in users[1] .
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