K2 / Spice
K2 or “Spice” is a mixture of herbs and spices that is typically sprayed with a synthetic compound that is chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. The chemical compounds that are typically used include HU-210, HU-211, JWH-018 and JWH-073. In 2011 The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) published a final order in the Federal Register temporarily placing five synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Two out of the four chemicals usually used in K2 were placed in this category, JWH-018 and JWH-073. The DEA administrator felt that the placement of these synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of the CSA was necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. If individuals are found manufacturing, distributing, possessing, importing or exporting any of these synthetic cannabinoids they will face criminal, civil and administrative penalties and sanctions. There will also be regulatory controls placed on these synthetic chemicals.
K2 is typically sold in small, silvery plastic bags of dried leaves and marketed as incense or “fake weed.” Physically it resembles the look of potpourri. K2 is commonly purchased in head shops, tobacco shops and over the Internet. It can be dangerous to purchase K2 over the internet because it is not usually known where the product has come from or what amount of chemical is on the mixture of herbs and spices. Since this product is usually made illegally the manufacturers are not regulated and the ingredients are often unknown. Several websites that sell the product are based in China. Some products may contain an herb called Damiana, which is native to Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
K2 products are usually smoked like marijuana in either a joint or pipe. However, there are some users that make it into a tea. Psychological effects are similar to those of marijuana and include paranoia, panic attacks and giddiness. Physiological effects of K2 include increased heart rate and blood pressure. Our body tends to store K2 in fat stores which means it stays in our body for a long time. Therefore the long-term effects on humans are not fully known yet. There have been no reported deaths by overdose.
Street names of K2 include: Bliss, Black Mamba, Bombay Blue, Fake Weed, Genie, Potpourri, Spice and Zohai. Drugs that have similar effects include: marijuana.
If you or someone you love has a problem with K2, call our professionals at Sobriety Resources (855)289-2640 today to experience the freedom of sobriety.
