Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made, mind-altering chemicals that are either sprayed on dry and shredded plant material or sold as liquids. They can be smoked, inhaled, or vaporized. These chemicals were coined “cannabinoids” because they’re chemically similar to marijuana. As a result, synthetic cannabinoids are often called synthetic marijuana (fake weed or Spice). Many people believe synthetic cannabinoids are safe and legal alternatives to other drugs, but this isn’t the case. Our drug rehab in Pennsylvania is sharing more information on the different types of synthetic cannabinoids.
5 Different Types of Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are part of a drug class called new psychoactive substances (NPS). NPS are unregulated, mind-altering drugs that have become more accessible in the drug market and have grown in popularity because their effects mimic those of other illicit drugs. Many dealers and distributors get away with selling these substances because they discreetly package them. Synthetic drugs like NPS are often sold in plastic bags or pouches that are often labeled “not for human consumption” or “jewelry cleaner.” These labels allow sellers, for the most part, to avoid legal detection. Many people begin using these drugs because they believe that synthetics are safer, and synthetic cannabinoids are also used because they’re often cheaper than most other substances.
Our synthetic cannabinoids list includes the five major kinds of these drugs. While some of these substances have existed for years, others keep resurfacing under a different name to avoid detection from law enforcement. Some of the various names for synthetic cannabinoids include K2, Spice, fake weed, Black Mamba, Joker, Kush, Scooby Snax, and Kronic.
The five types of synthetic cannabinoids are:
- Classical cannabinoids
- Non-Classical cannabinoids
- Hybrid cannabinoids
- Aminoalkylindoles
- Eicosanoids
These substances are chemically similar to marijuana as they also contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Despite what users believe, synthetic cannabinoids are both dangerous and addictive. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers Pennsylvania, we provide synthetic marijuana treatment for those who have become addicted to the harsh chemicals found in these mysterious drugs.
Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids work by affecting the same brain cell receptors affected by THC, which is the main psychoactive component in marijuana. Because these drugs often contain additional and unknown chemicals aside from THC, they can create even more potent and more dangerous side effects than cannabis. The chemical composition of synthetic cannabinoids can change from batch to batch, often containing doses of drastically different chemicals from previous batches. The unpredictability of these chemicals is the most dangerous aspect of these drugs.
Some common side effects of synthetic cannabinoids include:
- Elevated mood
- Feeling of relaxation
- Altered perceptions of surroundings
- Psychosis, including delusions and disorder thinking
- Feeling detached from reality
- Extreme anxiety and panic
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Suicidal thoughts
- Aggressive behavior
- Headaches
- Depression
- Irritability
In addition to these symptoms, synthetic cannabinoids can also cause an overdose. This kind of drug overdose is characterized by symptoms like increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, collapsing, seizures, and chest pains. Those who do not undergo a medical detox to quit using synthetic cannabinoids are at risk of experiencing an overdose.
If you or someone you know is addicted to drugs or alcohol, we can help. Clearbrook Pennsylvania offers residential addiction treatment that can help patients recover from even the most severe substance use disorders. Give us a call now at 570-536-9621 to speak to a team member for more information.
