How much spice is safe to smoke

NPS are unregulated mind-altering substances that have become newly available on the market and are intended to produce the same effects as illegal drugs. Some of these substances may have been around for years but have reentered the market in altered chemical forms, or due to renewed popularity. Synthetic cannabinoid products are often labeled "not for human consumption. However, the only parts of these products that are natural are the dried plant materials.

Chemical tests show that the active, mind-altering ingredients are cannabinoid compounds made in laboratories. Manufacturers sell these products in colorful foil packages and plastic bottles to attract consumers. They market these products under a wide variety of specific brand names. For several years, synthetic cannabinoid mixtures have been easy to buy in drug paraphernalia shops, novelty stores, gas stations, and over the internet.

Because the chemicals used in them have no medical benefit and a high potential for abuse, authorities have made it illegal to sell, buy, or possess some of these chemicals. However, manufacturers try to sidestep these laws by changing the chemical formulas in their mixtures.

Easy access and the belief that synthetic cannabinoid products are natural and therefore harmless, have likely contributed to their use among young people. Another reason for their continued use is that standard drug tests cannot easily detect many of the chemicals used in these products. Withdrawal effects People who use synthetic cannabinoids regularly over a long time commonly have withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms reported include: headaches anxiety low mood difficulty concentrating irritability restlessness cravings Inhaling any substance into your lungs is going to cause some level of irritation to the delicate tissue.

Reducing the risks Reducing the risk from synthetic cannabinoids begins with basic hygiene and cleanliness. If you decide to use synthetic cannabinoids Start low and go slow.

Avoid mixing with alcohol and other drugs including prescribed medication as this may increase the risk of heart problems Mental wellbeing As synthetic cannabinoids may exacerbate anxiety and paranoia, only use in an environment in which you feel safe and with people you trust.

Avoid using if prone to anxiety or have existing mental health problems. Smoking synthetic cannabinoids If smoking synthetic cannabinoids avoid smoking neat. Source: Public Health Scotland - Opens in new browser window. Last updated:. How can we improve this page? Research suggests that Spice and other forms of synthetic cannabis are capable of producing much more intense and prolonged effects at much lower doses than natural cannabis.

This is because, while the THC in natural cannabis only partially reacts with the body, synthetic cannabis reacts far more fully. Although the consequences of long-term regular use are not well defined, experts believe that synthetic cannabis has the potential to develop, or cause a relapse of mental illness, especially if there is a family history of mental disorders. In , the first synthetic cannabinoid — which reacts with the body in the same way as cannabis — was identified on the recreational drug market.

Aminoalkylindoles — the most common sub-family of synthetic cannabinoids —- are produced, in kilogram quantities, through quick and simple chemical reactions using legal substances. These substances are produced on a large-scale by chemical companies based in China and then shipped, as bulk powders, to Europe by air or sea.

Once in Europe, the synthetic cannabinoids are mixed with or sprayed onto plant material using solvents such as acetone or methanol to dissolve the powders. The reason why spice is often first choice for internet drug purchasers is because the smoking blends are easy and cheap to get hold of; they can be quickly and discreetly sent to your home.

Another important factor is that they are marketed as being legal. The term internet drug refers to synthetic psychoactive substances which can be sold online legally because the authorities have not yet classified them as illegal. The term also covers compounds that have previously been sold and marketed as legal but which have now been classified as drugs and are therefore illegal.

Anders Helander. Photo: Mattias Ahlm. Internet forums and websites The project has enabled the researchers to identify hundreds of new internet drugs in Sweden, with the result that the Poisons Information Centre is able to provide doctors and care staff with more accurate advice.