The Dangers of Synthetic Weed

Synthetic weed goes by many names — K2, Spice, Bombay Blue and more. But despite how it’s often marketed, it is not a safe substitute for natural marijuana (cannabis). In fact, it can be far more dangerous.

Psychiatrist and addiction specialist Akhil Anand, MD, explains what synthetic weed is, how it affects your brain and why it carries serious risks.

What is synthetic weed?

Synthetic weed (also called synthetic marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid) is made by spraying manmade chemicals onto dried plant material. These chemicals are designed to mimic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in natural marijuana.

But your body doesn’t treat them the same way.

Your body has its own system — called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — that helps regulate things like appetite, fertility, memory and pain. Natural THC binds to receptors in this system, especially in your brain.

Synthetic weed also binds to those receptors, but more intensely. (More on that in a bit.)

“Synthetic marijuana forms a stronger bond with those receptors,” explains Dr. Anand. “That’s part of what makes it more potent — and also more unpredictable and dangerous.”

Synthetic cannabinoids can be smoked, vaped or brewed like tea. It also tends to be less expensive than natural marijuana and relatively easy to find. Another appeal? It’s often undetectable by standard drug tests.

The dangers of synthetic marijuana

Synthetic marijuana isn’t regulated or standardized. That creates several serious risks, including:

• High potency: The chemistry of synthetic weed can heighten the effects. Some research suggests it may make you up to 30 times more likely to need emergency medical care compared to using natural cannabis.
• Unknown ingredients: Each batch can contain different chemical compounds — and new ones are constantly being created. That makes it difficult to track or control what’s out there.
• Unpredictable reactions: Because formulas change often, even repeat users often don’t know what they’re taking or if they’ll have the same experience.
• Legal gray areas: Some products are sold as “herbal incense” or labeled “not for human consumption” to avoid regulation. They’re often packaged without information related to potential health or safety risks.

Bottom line? “These substances are very risky — and dangerous,” states Dr. Anand.

Potential side effects of synthetic cannabinoids

The side effects of synthetic weed can be severe — and in some cases, deadly. Dr. Anand says reported complications include:

• Heart attacks
• Acute kidney failure
• Respiratory issues
• Pregnancy complications
• Seizures
• Psychosis
• Stroke
• Violent behavior
• Suicidal thoughts
• High blood pressure (hypertension)

How synthetic weed affects your brain

Synthetic weed directly impacts your brain by overstimulating cannabinoid receptors, especially CB1 receptors, which are concentrated in your brain. This overstimulation can disrupt normal brain function.

Natural marijuana affects your brain, too, and can cause anxiety, paranoia, memory problems and trouble concentrating.

But synthetic weed tends to amplify those effects — sometimes dramatically.

“We’ve seen people with no psychiatric history develop psychosis and other mental health conditions after using synthetic marijuana,” shares Dr. Anand. “In some cases, people come in with severe agitation, confusion or psychosis and need to be hospitalized.”

And if you already live with a mental health condition, like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, Dr. Anand warns that synthetic cannabinoids may make it worse.

Can you become addicted to synthetic marijuana?

Synthetic cannabinoids can lead to cravings, compulsive use, loss of control and continued use despite negative consequences — often referred to as the “4 Cs” of addiction, says Dr. Anand.

People may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using synthetic weed.

When to seek help

If you’re using synthetic cannabinoids and struggling to stop, it’s important to reach out and ask for help. Start by talking to someone you trust, whether that’s a healthcare provider, friend or family member. In the U.S., you can also call or text 988 for immediate mental health support.

Treatment programs are available to fit your needs. “Addiction is a serious medical condition, and there are medical professionals who can help you address it,” says Dr. Anand.

Seek emergency care right away if you or someone you’re with experiences severe symptoms after using synthetic drugs. This includes situations involving chest pain, seizures, confusion or suicidal thoughts.

“The risks of synthetic weed are real, unpredictable and often severe — making it a dangerous choice,” he emphasizes.