K2 (Synthetic Marijuana)
K2 |Spice |Incense |Synthetic Marijuana
What is K2?
K2 is a popular new drug that has effects just like marijuana. Many copy cat products that contain the same chemicals are being sold on the internet, in boutique stores, gas stations and smoke shops. It is usually smoked in a small pipe or a cigarette. Scientifically you may hear this referred to as JWH-018, JWH-073, or similar.
What does it look like?
K2 looks like potpourri and consists of leaves, stems and petals of aromatic plants such as licorice.
These crushed plants are “laced with” the active chemicals and are sold as “incense” or “legal highs”. The packages are typically brightly colored, have psychedelic patterns and are sachets or Mylar® envelopes about the size of a playing card. Products are sold under various names including K2, Spice, Space, Pep-Spice, K1, K3, K4, C1, Mr. Smiley, Genie, Smoke, Pot-pourri, Buzz, Mystery, Earthquake, Ocean Blue and Yucatan Fire and others.
Why should we be concerned about K2?
The drugs in K2 are synthetic chemicals made in a lab and their safety has not been studied. Side effects are not well known and there are increasing reports of users getting sick and showing up in the emergency room.
Since the start of 2010, the American Association of Poison Control Centers has received nearly 2,000 reports of people who became ill after smoking K2, compared to about a dozen in 2009. Poison control officials described some of the symptoms as "life-threatening."
Any drug that affects intoxication can interfere with behavior, school, work, and relationships. Individuals behind the wheel after using this drug are being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).
Is it legal?
The drugs in K2 are illegal in Missouri (and many other states), and it can be hazardous to the user and others.
What might you observe if someone is using K2?
Immediate physical affects after smoking
- Dizziness
- Laughing
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Silly behavior
- Heightened anxiety
- Bloodshot eyes
- Increased pulse
- Cannot remember recent events or conversations
Will regular drug tests and/or drug tests available at the pharmacy find K2?
No - routine drug tests from laboratories and drug test kits available at pharmacies currently do not include testing for the synthetic cannabinoids present in K2. This is a specialty test that must be specifically requested at KT Health Clinic.