Synthetics are known by lots of different names and are designed to copy drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, heroin and LSD.
Synthetics refer to a heap of different drugs that are designed to copy similar effects to more widely known drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, heroin and LSD. They are known as NEDs (new and emerging drugs), NPSs (new psychoactive substances), legal highs, research chemicals, plant food, bath salts (Flakka), mephedrone (meow, miaow-miaow), NBOMe, synthetic cocaine (white bull), herbal highs, or herbal incense. Synthetic Cannabis is known as spice, Kronic, X, tai high Hawaiian haze, Amsterdam gold, black mamba, Blue lotus.
Despite the fact that many are also called legal highs, lots of them are actually illegal. If you use too much of a synthetic drug, you might have seizures, vomiting, dizziness, or a bad trip. An ambulance should be called if any of these happen. It’s important to know that if you have a mental health condition, using synthetic drugs might worsen your mental health symptoms.
If you use synthetics, then if nothing else, make sure you know these ways to be as safe as possible.
- Take regular breaks from smoking to avoid dependency
- Try to know and understand as much as you can about what you’re taking
- Only use a small amount to begin with as we cannot be sure the potency of the substance
- Let the previous dose wear off before using again
- Don’t be the first to try something new
- Be with other people and have someone remain sober
- Use regular cannabis.
- Call an ambulance if you’re worried someone has had too much
Want more? This info is the bare minimum to give you the heads up. The ADF’s fact sheet has heaps more info.
If you are worried about your use of synthetics, think you may have a problem, check out where you are at with the "working it out with YoDAA" tool.
