Synthetic cannabis

WHAT IS SYNTHETIC CANNABIS?

Synthetic cannabis is a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) that was originally designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. Synthetic cannabis is usually herbs sprayed with chemicals, so they look like real cannabis. They are used like cannabis – smoked in a bong, pipe, joint, eaten or sometimes drunk.

OTHER NAMES:

Synthetic cannabis can go by many names such as Kronic, K2, Spice, Zeus, Tai high, Puff, Northern lights, Marley or Blue lotus.

EFFECTS:

• Using synthetic cannabis might make you feel relaxed, have decreased concentration, and slower reaction times. You might also have auditory and visual hallucinations.
• People also report experiencing fast and irregular heartbeat, racing thoughts, agitation, anxiety and paranoia, psychosis, chest pains, vomiting, seizures.
• There is a lack of research on the effects of synthetic cannabis and doctors can have trouble treating overdose and other health problems they cause.
• No part of synthetic cannabis comes from the cannabis plant and they are not structurally or synthetically related to natural cannabis.
• It is illegal to possess or sell synthetic cannabis in Victoria and some other states.
• It is really important to remember that you cannot always be sure what chemicals are being used in synthetic cannabis and that it can change from batch to batch.

DURATION and COMING DOWN

• The effects are usually felt within a few minutes.
• Coming down from synthetic cannabis is very different to coming down from cannabis.
• Withdrawals can start on the second day after ceasing use.
• Stomach cramps, insomnia, panic attacks, mood swings, and rapid heart rate have all been described.

SOME COMMON HARM REDUCTION STRATEGIES

Encourage a young person to: –

• Only use a small amount to begin with as you cannot be sure the potency of the substance
• Let the previous dose wear off before using again
• Use cannabis instead of synthetic cannabis
• Avoid using alone, share the experience with someone who has used before or with someone who is not using
• Synthetic cannabis can intensify symptoms of anxiety and paranoia so avoid using if you have mental health concerns
• Mixing synthetic cannabis and some anti-depressants or stimulants (such as methamphetamines) can be dangerous.
• Large amounts or a strong batch can lead to overdose. Call and ambulance if you or someone else has any breathing difficulties, overheating, chest pain, high body temperature or you are concerned about someone’s behaviour.
• Withdrawals from synthetic cannabis use can vary significantly, so if you or someone you know is thinking about reducing or quitting synthetic cannabis use there are services that you can access to support you through it.

This is only a little bit of information the ADF’s resource has heaps more.

We recommend this video from Global Drug Survey about synthetic cannabis.