The dealer is probably going to tell them that it’s a legal high. In some states, it actually is. In others, the state has managed to get laws passed quickly that enable it to be seized, protecting young people who know no better than to try it.

It’s fake marijuana in various forms. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that this new drug takes the form of plant material that has been coated with chemicals that create a high somewhat similar to that of marijuana. They are packaged in small packets, often foil, and labeled “Spice,” “K2,” or “Blaze.” They are marked as herbal incense just to disguise their real use.

The DEA used their powers to invoke a national ban on the substances normally used to create these products. They describe this “fake marijuana” as causing dangerous rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, vomiting, disorientation and even convulsions. But because the substances were new and not covered by existing drug laws enacted by states, they could not be removed from the market until this ban took place in March 2011.

Young people are often uninformed about the dangers these drugs can present, and so may have looked for fake marijuana as a way of getting high that might not get them arrested. Unfortunately, few young people were aware of the physical and mental dangers of abusing fake marijuana.

Drug May Have Started in Europe

One scientist thought that the practice of selling drugged herbs as incense started in Europe. This combination of chemicals acts in a fashion about ten times stronger than marijuana. So instead of the mellowness and relaxation you get from real marijuana, some people are showing up in emergency rooms with intense agitation and hallucinations.

It is thought that this new substance affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. The hallucinations and seizures resulting from this drug can be life-threatening. What’s more, these chemicals are just as addictive as other street drugs, meaning that a person may need drug rehab to get clean and sober again.

Narconon Locations Provide Relief from Addiction to K2 and Spice

Fortunately, there are some forty Narconon Centers around the world where a person can find lasting sobriety after they become addicted to K2 or some other street or prescription drug. It takes longer than 28 days to rebuild a life that was destroyed by addiction, which is why the Narconon locations offer this eight to ten week, on average, program.

The premier Narconon location is the Narconon Arrowhead drug rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma. At this location, those in recovery can enjoy the beautiful rural surroundings as they learn how to regain a productive, enjoyable life.

Find out how to help someone you love gain sobriety after abuse of fake marijuana or other drugs. Call 1-800-468-6933 today.

References:
http://www.livescience.com/6149-fake-weed-real-drug-k2-causing-hallucinations-teens.html
http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr030111.html