SYNTHETIC DRUG FACTS

Synthetic drugs are chemicals created in laboratories to mimic the effects of other drugs including marijuana, cocaine, meth or LSD. These drugs contain unknown substances which frequently change as producers attempt to evade legal bans. Since the chemicals and concentrations of these drugs change frequently,they are very dangerous as users have now way of knowing what they are really putting into their bodies.

Different Types of Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs often mimic the appearance and the manner of consumption of the drugs they are trying to imitate.

• Spice is a synthetic cannabinoid. Originally created to study the effects of THC on the brain, changes to the chemicals involved in making Spice have resulted in unique side effects and dangers.¹ Spice usually comes in small, brightly colored packages filled with a green leafy substance and labeled as organic incense or "not for human consumption".² Some users smoke Spice together with marijuana as it is uniquely addictive. Many users purchase Spice from businesses like head shops and convenience stores which contributes to the misperception that Spice is safe, when in reality it is illegal and dangerous.²
• Bath salts fall into a category of illegal drugs known as synthetic cathinones. Chemically these drugs have similarities to meth and ecstasy. These synthetic drugs come as a white or light colored powder and are often sold as bath salts, plant food or jewelry cleaner although they perform none of these functions. These drugs are often targeted to a similar user group as Spice and are packaged attractively for young people.³
• "Smiles" and "N-Bomb" are common names for synthetics in the NBOMe series of psychoactive drugs created to produce a high similar to LSD. Some users have died after believing they were consuming LSD when they were really consuming a dangerous and more potent drug.^4,5 These drugs are consumed in a similar fashion to LSD, as a liquid, on blotter paper or mixed in food and are popular among young users and in club and festival scenes.⁶

Warning Signs

Synthetic drugs are real drugs with real consequences. Each individual's body can have a different reaction to the abuse, of synthetic drugs so while there are some similarities, not everyone exhibits the same warning signs.