Synthetic Marijuana—What Do Safe Adults Need To Know

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A teenager nearly lost her life after smoking synthetic marijuana—commonly known as Spice, K2, or “potpourri.” The teen began to suffer severe migraines after using the drug and ended up in the intensive care unit with multiple severe strokes that left much of her brain destroyed. She is now blind, mostly paralyzed, and often becomes confused.

Synthetic marijuana is an herbal mixture that has been sprayed with chemicals to create a high similar to smoking marijuana. Although the substance is now banned in 41 states, the drug can easily be found online, as well as on the shelves of convenience stores and hookah bars, often with a sign reading “not for human consumption” in an attempt to skirt legal bans.

A national survey conducted in 2011 by the University of Michigan found that just over 11 percent of high school seniors reported using synthetic marijuana, making it the second most commonly used drug among teens after marijuana. The accessibility of the drug seems to be a factor in its popularity, a popularity that is also revealed in emergency room statistics. Of the 11,406 emergency room visits linked to synthetic marijuana use, the age group with the most visits was 12 to 17.

The family hopes its story will bring attention to the dangers of synthetic marijuana and inform parents about warning signs and consequences. Christina Zdanowicz “Teen narrowly escapes death after smoking synthetic marijuana,” www.cnn.com (Feb. 5, 2013).

Parents and caregivers can affect the decisions teens make about drugs, and it is important for parents to know the facts. The more knowledge parents have, the more confident they become opening lines of communication with their teens.

The synthetic marijuana called Spice has been marketed as a natural, legal alternative to marijuana—leading many teens to believe that it is safe. The tragic story above highlights just how dangerous it is. 

There is no regulation in the making of Spice, and the chemicals used to increase its effects can vary, leaving little consistency from one bag to the next. It is difficult to know its effects from one person to another, and little is known about the long-term effects of the chemicals used. 

What is known about the drug is that its effects tend to be more powerful and last longer than the THC in marijuana. Some users describe psychotic effects such as extreme anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations, and these effects can continue for days after use.

The most effective prevention tool for parents and caregivers to create is ongoing candid and open communication with their children. A one-time discussion is good, but this needs to be reinforced with “teachable moments.” For example, parents can use this article to start a discussion with their teen about synthetic marijuana and the risks of using it.

The Partnership at Drugfree.org offers suggestions that will help parents and caregivers steer teens toward a drug-free life:

• Establish rules and consequences for breaking those rules. Make sure your teen knows them and that you will enforce them.
• Be sure to give your child positive comments about who he or she is as an individual. Teens need to hear what you find wonderful about them.
• Show interest in your teen’s daily life and discuss his or her ups and downs.
• Tell your teen about the negative effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, including how they affect their physical appearance. Teens are often very concerned about how they physically appear to others.
• Use the anti-drug education your teen learns at school as a starting point to further discussions at home.

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