Are Synthetic Cannabinoids Legal?

The one class of drugs that confuse most people today, even those abusing them, is synthetic cannabinoids. These drugs came into the US in the mid-2000s and have skirted the laws ever since. Unfortunately, most of these drugs remain one step ahead of state and federal regulations. They come from China without a precise recipe, but with a wide range of chemicals in each dose.

What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Synthetic marijuana, also called Spice or K2, looks like plant material or herbal tobacco. It mimics the appearance of natural cannabis, yet is not chemically similar to this drug. Chopped up plant materials are laced with man-made chemicals that deliver a potent high.

Another, more modern form of synthetic marijuana provides for smoking it. This liquid concoction delivers its high through vaping. People use e-cigarettes, vape pens, and hookah pens to inhale the drug.

Synthetic cannabinoids actually include a family of over 700 known types of chemicals. This is why regulations cannot keep up with the recipes or the critical chemicals in these drugs. Despite the packaging stating that the contents are “all natural” and not for human consumption, these are simply tricks to get around the law.

Are Synthetic Cannabinoids Legal?

So, are synthetic cannabinoids legal? The DEA and a past Presidential proclamation say no. In 2011 the DEA made its first attempts to pin down some of these drugs’ substances through heavy regulations. President Obama also signed the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, listing some of the contents of Spice on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.

Although President Obama’s signed effort with the DEA proclaims many substances illegal as part of synthetic cannabinoids, it is not yet possible to fully regulate substitute chemicals used in these drugs.

States also struggle to control synthetic marijuana. Each one of the 50 states uses their own mix of administrative actions, prosecution and regulations to fight availability of these drugs. Still, you can walk into convenience stores across the country to buy these rampant drugs.

Experts work daily to make all forms of K2 and Spice illegal. But meanwhile, you must take action in your own life, if you or a loved one suffer addiction to synthetic drugs of any kind. Risks of permanent health effects and death are too high, to wait for the “right time” for treatment.

Treatment for K2, Spice and Other Synthetic Marijuana

What treatment do you need for K2, Spice or other synthetic marijuana addiction? This treatment requires a mix of quality therapies meeting your mental, physical and spiritual needs. Recovery treatment must address all areas of your being, for best success in sobriety. Programs to look for include:

• Medical detox
• Residential, PHP, IOP and OP programs
• Extended care, aftercare, and sober living options
• CBT, DBT, EMDR and other behavioral therapies
• Nutrition therapy and fitness therapy
• Music, art, equine, hiking and other experiential therapies

Through Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, people just like you or your loved one gain freedom from synthetic cannabinoids addiction. This synthetic cannabinoid addiction treatment program in FL provides a wide array of therapies making up your individual treatment plan. You can call Beaches Recovery now at 866.605.0532 to learn about these programs and start a better life in sobriety.