Synthetic cannabinoids are created to be therapeutic agents and receptor agonists as an alternative for pain treatment. Now people conveniently infuse them into herbal smoking mixtures to get a lasting dose of the calming and soothing effect. You probably did not know they do not contain cannabis or tobacco? What else did you not know about synthetic cannabis? Let’s discuss their myths and facts;
Meaning & Types of Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoid is a term associated with man-made or chemical substances used in the place of marijuana. Many would prefer to call these cannabinoids “Fake weed” or simply go for its street alias; “SPICE.” Nowadays, instead of going for the conventional option of consuming marijuana, many would rather go for synthetic cannabinoids.
Since synthetic cannabinoids are chemically-induced substances, they can be grouped into various categories. Every synthetic cannabinoid in the world today falls under one of these seven major structural groups.
- Naphthylmethylindoles
- Naphthoylindoles (e.g. JWH-018, JWH-073, and JWH-398)
- Classical cannabinoids (e.g. HU-210)
- Naphthylmethylindenes.
- Phenylacetylindoles (i.e. benzoylindoles, e.g. JWH-250)
- Naphthoylpyrroles
- Cyclohexylphenols (e.g. CP 47,497 and homologues of CP 47,497)
There might be some similarities between two synthetic cannabinoids primarily because some chemists like to create signatures with their drugs.
Facts about Synthetic Cannabinoids
Contrary to what you may have heard about synthetic cannabinoids, here are some facts about users who consume fake weed;
Builds a Healthy Appetite & Fat Metabolism
Just like the “actual” natural weed, synthetic cannabinoids have the chemical composition of helping the body feed properly. We’ve traced some major chemical components that can be found in appetite-stimulating drugs in all kinds of fake weed. Monitored consumption of synthetic cannabinoids can help an adult individuals get rid of their malnutrition habits.
Although natural weed does a better job at supporting the Adipocyte tissues, synthetic cannabinoids also help in fat metabolism. Regulated consumption of fake weed can help the human body reduce the amount of fat residue in the body. The chemical composition of most synthetic cannabinoids
Overdosing May Result in Fatal Heart & Kidney Problems
With cannabis consumption, the dosage is key! While people may sometimes get carried away with the “feel” and excitement that comes with consuming cannabinoid products, they could also be dangerous to their health. The DEA constantly releases publications on how high consumption of cannabinoids may affect the function of the heart and kidney.
Most heavy consumers of synthetic cannabinoids end up with acute kidney injury which results in kidney dialysis. Responsible intake of synthetic cannabinoids may not have a short-term or prolonged effect on major human organs. Spice only becomes a threat to the human body when the user gets addicted to the feeling ignoring the consequences of overdosing.
Slurred Speech & Disorientation
A recent study on arrested drivers under the influence showed some concerning facts between natural marijuana and spice. Drivers that took marijuana prior to their arrests had a minimal level of confusion and incoherence. However, the drivers that had used synthetic cannabinoids continue to show an increasing level of disorientation all through observation.
Slurred speech is a common side effect among high consumers of synthetic cannabinoids. Surprisingly, we’ve not noticed this side effect among users of natural cannabis. Slurred speech is an aftermath of the disorientation going on in the human brain. Affected persons find it difficult to coordinate events and words in their head which leads to the mumbling of words.
Myths about Synthetic Cannabinoids
Some myths about synthetic cannabinoids you should never take seriously;
Not Detectable in Drug Tests
A few years from now, fake weed could never be detected in the urine, and possible to miss blood drug tests. Nowadays, however, there are quantitative urine confirmatory testing methods for synthetic cannabinoids. Years ago when the LC-MS/MS drug testing method was the only resort, many could get away with the usage of synthetic cannabinoids in tests. But that is not possible in today’s most advanced drug testing mechanism.
Lasts Longer than Natural Cannabis (Weed)
Fake weed or synthetic cannabinoids never last as long as the actual weed. Natural cannabis could last for as long as 3 days for infrequent users that consume weed less than twice weekly. Persons that take natural cannabis several times weekly would normally be tested positive on any drug test within a 7-20 days time frame after consumption. Like most man-made drugs, the effect of spice in the body only lasts for a short or targeted period; never as long as natural cannabis.
Conclusion
After several studies on synthetic cannabinoids, the effect on human health can never be overemphasized. We advise that users consume responsibly by strictly following the dosage limit. Although myths about synthetic cannabinoids come up often, they are only spread to encourage heavy users from consuming the drugs responsibly.
