synthetic drugsSynthetic cannbinoids, or Synthetic Marijuana, is also known as Spice or K2. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDP), it is frequently sold as “herbal incense” or “potpourri” in legal retail outlets. It is labeled as “not for human consumption”, serving to mask the intended purpose of avoiding Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory oversight.

An Overview of Synthetics

The ONDP also cites the synthetic cathinones (cathinone is a naturally-occurring stimulant drug found in the Khat plant) as another of the synthetic, man-made drugs labeled as “not for human consumption”, again to mask the drug’s intended purpose and to avoid FDA oversight. Synthetic cathinones are frequently sold as “jewelry cleaner” or “bath salts.”

Synthetic Marijuana (synthetic cannabinoids) are man-made chemicals applied onto plant material (often sprayed on), and are marketed as a “legal” way to get high. Users of Synthetic Marijuana claim it mimics THC, the main psychoactive (affecting the mind) ingredient in marijuana.

The ONDP cites the use of Synthetic Marijuana as “alarmingly high, especially among young people.” The 2012 Monitoring the Future survey of drug-use trends amongst youth revealed that one out of every nine 12th graders in the United States reported using Synthetic Marijuana in the past year. This places synthetic cannabinoids second to the top most frequently used illegal drug by high schools seniors–marijuana itself.

The ONDP cites these synthetic drugs as a tremendous health risk, and the consequent need to educate people as to their dangers.

Synthetic Drug Abuse in Oklahoma

The synthetic drug issue in Oklahoma is cited as a major epidemic by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. A press release from the Oklahoma State Senate identified synthetic drugs as “responsible for numerous deaths” as we all hospitilizations across the U.S. in recent years. K2 has been singled out as the main source of the synthetic drug problem, with drug-makers concocting more than 150 mixes of the substance in efforts to evade state chemical bans.

These psychoactive synthetic drugs are frequently sold in convenience stores and gas stations across Oklahoma. K2, often herbs and spices sprayed with synthetic THC can cause anxiety, paranoia, confusion, panic attacks, hallucinations and psychotic episodes in the user.

A new law was passed in July, 2014, in an effort to stem the tide of synthetic marijuana use in Oklahoma, fueled by a high-profile murder in which a young girl was killed by a person under the influence of K2. Bill 2666 was scheduled to go into effect in November of this year, and its purpose it to get K2 out of the state of Oklahoma by outlawing chemicals which can be used to make the drug. Currently there are 142 chemicals connected to the manufacture of K2 which are banned in the Oklahoma.

Narconon Arrowhead Offers Help

The Oklahoma-based drug rehabilitation and education center is issuing a warning to Oklahoma residents, especially parents, regarding the risks and dangers of K2, as well as other synthetic drugs.

Narconon Arrowhead’s main website provides new information on the most commonly abused synthetic drugs, with special attention to synthetic marijuana, its effects on the user, and tips for spotting synthetic drug use. Information on how to treat synthetic drug use is included.

The executives and staff of Narconon Arrowhead emphasize the importance of being aware of the signs of synthetic drug use in another person, and the importance of seeking immediate help.

Like any drug or alcohol abuse, synthetic drug abuse is serious, and potentially life threatening. If you would like more information on synthetic substance abuse, or need help with a substance abuse problem, please contact Narconon Arrowhead at 800-468-6933. Counselors are available to help you.