{"id":15502,"date":"2019-07-02T19:04:15","date_gmt":"2019-07-02T19:04:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/?p=15502"},"modified":"2020-01-20T20:08:08","modified_gmt":"2020-01-20T20:08:08","slug":"synthetic-cannabis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/2019\/07\/synthetic-cannabis\/","title":{"rendered":"Synthetic Cannabis"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">What is synthetic cannabis?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Synthetic cannabis is a\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/adf.org.au\/drug-facts\/new-psychoactive-substances\/\">new psychoactive substance<\/a>\u00a0that was originally designed to mimic or produce similar effects to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/adf.org.au\/drug-facts\/cannabis\/\">cannabis<\/a>\u00a0and has been sold online since 2004. However, some of the newer substances claiming to be synthetic cannabis do not actually mimic the effects of THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/adf.org.au\/drug-facts\/cannabis\/\">cannabis<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Reports suggest it also produces additional negative effects. These powdered chemicals are mixed with solvents and added to herbs and sold in colourful, branded packets. The chemicals usually vary from batch to batch as manufacturers try to stay ahead of the law, so different packets can produce different effects even if the name and branding on the package looks the same.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Other names<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Synthetic cannabis is marketed under different brand names.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Spice was the earliest in a series of synthetic cannabis products sold in many European countries. Since then a number of similar products have been developed, such as Kronic, Northern Lights, Mojo, Lightning Gold, Blue Lotus\u00a0and Godfather.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Synthetic cannabis is also marketed as aphrodisiac tea, herbal incense and potpourri.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">How is it used?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">It\u2019s most commonly smoked and is sometimes drunk as a tea.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Effects of synthetic cannabis<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\"><strong>There is no safe level of drug use.<\/strong>\u00a0Use of any drug always carries some risk. It\u2019s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Synthetic cannabis affects everyone differently, based on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Size, weight and health<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Whether the person is used to taking it<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Whether other drugs are taken around the same time<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">The amount taken<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">The chemical that is used and its strength (varies from batch to batch)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Synthetic cannabis is relatively new, so there is limited information available about its short- and long-term effects, including how safe or unsafe it is to use. However, it has been reported to have similar effects to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/adf.org.au\/drug-facts\/cannabis\/\">cannabis<\/a>\u00a0along with some additional negative and potentially more harmful ones including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Fast and irregular heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Racing thoughts<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Agitation, anxiety and paranoia<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Psychosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Aggressive and violent behaviour<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Acute kidney injury<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Stroke<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Death<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Long-term effects<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">There has been limited research into synthetic cannabis dependence. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that long term, regular use can cause tolerance and dependence.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Withdrawal<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Giving up synthetic cannabis after using it for a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">It has been reported that some people who use synthetic cannabis heavily on a regular basis may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Insomnia<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Paranoia<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Panic attacks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Agitation and irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Rapid heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">The risk of tolerance and dependence on synthetic cannabis and their associated effects may be reduced by taking regular breaks from smoking the drug and avoiding using a lot of it at once.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Health and safety<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">There is no safe way to use synthetic cannabis. If you do decide to use the drug, it\u2019s important to consider the following<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Regulating intake<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">It is difficult to predict the strength and effects of synthetic cannabis (even if it has been taken before) as its strength varies from batch to batch.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Trying a very small dose first (less than the size of a match head) could help gauge the strength and possible effects. Dose size should only be increased slowly \u2013 time should be given for the previous dose to wear off.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Taking synthetic cannabis on its own without a \u2018mixer\u2019 such as tobacco or dried parsley should always be avoided. Similarly, inhaling the drug via bongs or pipes can increase the risk of an overdose or bad reaction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Misleading packaging<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">The packaging of synthetic cannabis can be misleading. Although contents may be described as \u2018herbal\u2019, the actual psychoactive material is synthetic.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Not all ingredients or their correct amounts might be listed, which can increase the risk of overdose.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Chemicals usually vary from batch to batch, so different packets can produce different effects, even if the packaging looks the same.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Mental health risks<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">People with mental health conditions or a family history of these conditions should avoid using synthetic cannabis. The drug can intensify the symptoms of anxiety and paranoia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Taking synthetic cannabis in a familiar environment in the company of people who are known and trusted may alleviate any unpleasant emotional effects. Anxiety can be counteracted by taking deep, regular breaths while sitting down.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">When it absolutely shouldn\u2019t be used<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Use of synthetic cannabis is likely to be more dangerous when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Taken in combination with alcohol or other drugs, particularly stimulants such as crystal methamphetamine (\u2018ice\u2019) or ecstasy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Driving or operating heavy machinery<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Judgment or motor coordination is required<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Alone (in case medical assistance is required)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">The person has a mental health problem<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">The person has an existing heart problem<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">In an emergency<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">There have been a number of deaths caused by synthetic cannabis. Call triple zero (000) immediately if someone is experiencing negative effects such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Fast\/irregular heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Breathing difficulties<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Delusional behaviour<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Ambulance officers don\u2019t have to involve the police.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Synthetic cannabis statistics<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">National<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">2.8% of Australians aged 14 years and over have used synthetic cannabis at some stage in their lives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">0.3% of Australians aged 14 years and over have used synthetic cannabis in the previous 12 months.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">According to Australian data from the Global Drug Survey, synthetic cannabis was the 33rd most commonly used drug \u2013 1.1% of respondents had used this type of drug in the last 12 months<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Synthetic cannabis and the law<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">The laws surrounding NPS are complex, constantly changing and differ between states\/territories, but in general they are increasingly becoming stronger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">In Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria there is now a \u2018blanket ban\u2019 on possessing or selling any substance that has a psychoactive effect other than alcohol, tobacco and food.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">In other states and territories in Australia specific NPS substances are banned and new ones are regularly added to the list. This means that a drug that was legal to sell or possess today, may be illegal tomorrow. The substances banned differ between these states\/territories.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/adf.org.au\/drug-facts\/synthetic-cannabis\/\">https:\/\/adf.org.au\/drug-facts\/synthetic-cannabis\/<\/a> May 2019<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is synthetic cannabis? Synthetic cannabis is a\u00a0new psychoactive substance\u00a0that was originally designed to mimic or produce similar effects to\u00a0cannabis\u00a0and has been sold online since 2004. However, some of the newer substances claiming to be synthetic cannabis do not actually mimic the effects of THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in\u00a0cannabis). Reports suggest it also [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,30,92],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15502","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-australia","category-cannabis-marijuana","category-synthetics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15502","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15502"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15502\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}