K2 and Spice are names for a dried herbal and chemical blend marketed since 2006 for use as incense. However, people were using the incense because it produced a high similar to marijuana, but of longer duration.
The incense is sprayed with a substance known as either JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47,497 or cannabicyclohexanol before it is packaged for sale. These sprays are reportedly an “analgesic chemical which acts as a cannabinoid.” Other reports indicate that the spray is a potent psychotropic drug, often contaminated with unidentified toxic substances, which contribute to various adverse health effects.
A specific commercial brand of K2 or Spice can be anywhere from 4 times to over 100 times more potent than regular marijuana (THC). Most often it is smoked, but it can be mixed with food or drink.
Are K2 and Spice dangerous?
Yes, K2 and Spice can be very dangerous because not much is known about the toxicity of JWH018 or the other analogs. K2 and Spice are sold for approximately $30 to $40 per three-gram bag (equal to about 3 sugar packets), which is comparable in cost to marijuana. However, packages include a warning that states, “Not for human consumption.”
Other Products
K2 and Spice are marketed under a variety of names, all of which are now banned in Connecticut.
These products include:
- Pep Spice
- Spice Silver
- Spice Gold
- Spice Diamond
- Smoke
- Sence
- Skunk
- Yucatan
- Fire
- Genie
Parents: K2/Spice Alert
Although illegal, these products might still be sold secretly in Connecticut and neighboring states. Parents should inform their children that the product is illegal in Connecticut, and prohibit its use.
How do I know if my teen is using K2/Spice?
- When smoked, K2/Spice has a pungent odor similar to marijuana, so you will likely smell it on your teen’s clothes or belongings.
- Watch for dried herbal residue in your children’s rooms, as well as the foil packets in trash.
Why is K2/Spice so popular?
- It is perceived to be “natural,” and therefore safe.
- It does not show up on drug screens, unless used within the prior two hours.
Common Symptoms or Side Effects of K2 or Spice
Symptoms of using this synthetic drug include:
- hallucinations
- severe agitation
- dangerously elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- increased respiration rate
- panic attacks
- dilated pupils
- numbness/tingling
- very pale skin
- vomiting
These products are formulated with known and unknown chemicals, some of which are suspected to be extremely hazardous to health. In some cases, tremors, seizures, coma/unconsciousness have been known to occur.
Are These Products Legal in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut passed regulations in early 2012 that make the sale of K2/Spice and other analogs illegal in the state, joining Kansas, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee and Mississippi in banning these substances. Illinois, Michigan, New York, Indiana, Ohio, Utah, North Dakota, and New Jersey are States considering legislation.
Internationally, K2/Spice has been banned in Britain, Germany, Poland, South Korea, Russia and France.
On March 1, 2012 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a proposed regulation placing five synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
This proposed regulation will extend the previous temporary scheduling that expired on February 29, 2012. These substances will be classified as a Schedule I until August 29, 2012, or until the proposed regulations become effective.