lennemagdalene

· 19 Oct 2021

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What is a Spice Drug?

Did you know that according to the 2019 Monitoring the Future Survey, the use of spice is 3.3% while that of natural marijuana is 35.7%? What does this tell you? It shows that the number of people consuming marijuana and its by-products is high. In today’s post, I am going to address one toxic drug called spice. It is also called synthetic cannabinoids or marijuana. In the streets, it’s known by various names like spice, K2, Fake Weed, AK47, Incense, Black Mamba, Moon Rocks, Skunk, Genie, and Yucatan Fire.
The US introduced this drug in the mid-2000s. Manufacturers make spice drugs by mixing incense or any other leafy materials with liquid chemicals synthesized in the lab to copy the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive ingredient found in a naturally growing cannabis plant. Contrary to what many users think, there is not any natural marijuana in spice drugs, although people promote it as a safe drug.


How is spice drug used?
Spice drugs are used similarly to marijuana. Someone can smoke it alone or be mixed with other drugs in a bong or pipe. It is also found in pastries, like cookies and cakes, and added to tea. When taken, spice drugs give the same effects just like natural marijuana. It makes the users have feelings of relaxation, elevated moods, and can even experience have altered perception situations. Since spice drug is made synthetically, it means that its effects can be stronger than effects of natural marijuana. When taken in excess, spice drugs produce adverse feelings like hallucinations, extreme paranoia, and anxiety.


Is Spice Drug Dangerous?
Yes. This drug is very dangerous in several ways. It causes complications such as:
●    High blood pressure.
●    Nausea and vomiting.
●    Easy agitation.
●    Seizures, rapid heartbeat, and confusion.
●    Excessive sweating.



Relationship Between Spice Drug and Bleeding.
Research shows spice drugs increase the risk of bleeding. Why? Because they contaminate these drugs with blood thinners, which affects the viscosity of your blood. This means that in case the user gets cuts, they just keep on bleeding profusely because the blood is too thin to clot. Sometimes spice drug is usually added rat poison which causes the following symptoms:
●    Nose bleeds.
●    Bleeding gums
●    Excessive bleeding when injured.
●    Coughing or vomiting up blood (showing that your stomach is bleeding).
●    Dark or red urine (this shows that your kidneys are bleeding).
●    Presence of bloodstains on your stool.
●    Heavy menstruation.
●    Loss of consciousness and fainting because of excessive loss of blood.
●    Also, synthetic cannabinoid use can cause mental disorders, psychotic symptoms, and harm to those around the user.



How Does Spice Drug Affect the Brain?
Spice drug acts on the same cell receptors in the brain that natural marijuana acts upon. These receptors are known as THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). When ingested, the chemicals alter the mind and make someone live in unreal reality. The majority of the chemicals come from China and are mixed with acetone which is then sprayed on this mixture, which then impairs brain chemical signals transmission.



How Can People Reduce Harm by Spice Drugs?
●    Teach the population the dangers associated with these drugs by providing outreach to the affected in the society.
●    Regulation of marijuana use by the government may help control demand for spice drugs.
●    Offer counseling services to the addicts, and provide a means of detoxification from spice drugs.