K2 Spice is slang term used for Synthetic Cannabis; other street names include Blackmamba, Bombay Blue, Fake weed, Geine, Zohac, Bliss Bake, JWH 018, Yuscantanfire, skunkand and Moon Rocks.
Synthetic Cannabis is psychoactive drug which is created by spraying natural herbs with a synthetic chemical, when consumed allegedly mimic the effects of cannabis. Brand name K2 and Spice both are generally used as trade mark for synthetic cannabis. Synthetic Cannabis may prolong the effect of psychosis’ the effects are more pronounced in vulnerable individuals such as those with family history of mental illness.
Background
Synthetic cannabinoids were created in an attempt to manufacture a legitimate pharmaceutical product for relieving the pain and has effects of marijuana without producing the “high.” Compounds- JWH-018 – was discovered by John W. Huffman and the chemical discovered were named on the abbreviation of John W. Huffman.
Ingredients of Synthetic Cannabis or K-2 Spice
Synthetic Cannabis contain a mixture of traditionally used medicinal herb each of which produce mild effects with over blending effect of cannabis like intoxication produced by the products. Herbs listed on the packing of spice includes cannabis maritima, nymphae Caerulea, Scutellerianana, pedicularisdensiflora, leonotis leonurus Zonia, Latiforlia, Nelumbo nucifera and Leonurus Sibcricus. Synthetic Cannabis is also marketed as herbal incense, some are marketed as smoking blend ,the products are usually smoked by the user’s.
The products were analyzed, the characteristic fingerprint molecule from plant claimed were not present, besides large amount of synthetic toepherol was present. It was announced in July 2010 that JWH-018 is one of the components and has three version which were sold in number of countries around the World.
Characteristics of Synthetic Cannabis or K-2 Spice
The Synthetic Cannabis does not produce positive result for drug tests, for cannabis it is possible to detect metabolites in human urine.
How the Drug Works
Short-term effects of
-Spice include psychological effects similar to those of marijuana and include paranoia, panic attacks, and giddiness. Physiological effects of K2 include increased heart rate and increase of blood pressure. K2-Spice appears to be stored in the body for long periods of time, and therefore the long-term effects on humans are not fully known.
Safety Measures
No official studies have been conducted regarding effects on human. Generally extreme large doses may cause negative effects that are noticed in cannabis users, such as agitation and vomiting. Doctor should be aware that the use of synthetic cannabinoids can be associated with psychosis. People with risk factor for psychosis should be counseled against the use of synthetic cannabinoids. Myocardial infarction and convulsions are common in the individuals who are in frequent use of cannabinoids products.
Legal Impact
Synthetic Cannabis ( K-2 Spice) having hallucinations like effects and the authorities want to declare it use as an illegal item. Some of the question still remains unanswered Making synthetic cannabinoids illegal has arisen many problems. What test we will use? Which component of chemical compounds of drug should make it illegal? Will the Controlled Substances isomer covered under the Analog Act? What parameter/indicators /chemical standards will be used to compare the street drugs t? These are the questions which need to be researched?
History of Synthetic Cannabis or K-2 Spice
- 2004 – “Spice” brand products were sold on the internet and Head shops.
- 2007-2008 Spice monitoring begins,
- Dec 2008 – Two German labs identify JWH-018 in Spice products, Austria & Switzerland ban herbal incense,
- Jan 2009 – Two German labs and the National Institute of Health Sciences in Japan identify CP 47,497 in seven “Spice”
- Jan 2009 – Germany banned CP 47,497 and JWH-018,
- Jan 2009 – U.S. Customs and Border Patrol report a “small but verifiable” amount of HU-210,
- Feb 2009 – France banned CP 47,497, JWH-018, and HU-210,
- Apr 2009 – K2 hits the market
- Aug 2009 – UK Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs advised the government to control since then the use of synthetic cannabinoids has spread like wild fire; several states have enacted emergency legislation making it illegal
- MARCH 1, 2011-The Federal Government has, placed the drugs JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-250, & CP 47,497 (C8 also) under emergency scheduled Act as, HU-210 is already covered under the Federal Analogue Act, since. MARCH 1, 2011
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