Synthetic Weed: What Do You Know?

Yes, the packages do contain some plant material. But the chemicals that get you “high” are laboratory-made. Also, since they aren’t tested, users can’t be sure exactly which chemicals are in the drugs.

So-called fake weed was,  “originally designed as research chemicals for use in the laboratory, trying to identify cannabinoid receptors in the brain,” a specialist told Newsweek, not “to be used on the street.” 

The DEA has banned some of the most commonly used chemicals in the drugs. 

According to the CDC, from 2010-2015 there were 456 reported cases of sickness from the drug in the United States and three deaths.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers has labeled the drugs as being “extremely addictive.”

While the chemicals included in many brands seem to have the same effects on the brain as THC, they are actually much stronger. The chemicals are sprayed on plant material, sometimes sloppily, making some packages stronger than others. 

 While the drug is often referred to as “fake weed,” the high is very different. In addition to paranoia, users can also experience high blood pressure, nausea, heart attack, and seizures.