What Is K2?

There are many illicit drugs available on the streets of America, and it seems more appear every day. It can be hard for individuals to fully understand the latest craze for a new recreational drug. That lack of understanding can lead to serious health risks, addiction, or even death. Take K2, for instance, which has been available since the early to mid-2000s. Unfortunately, some people still believe it is natural, safe, and legal. In reality, they need to learn more about what is actually in K2 in order to avoid developing a substance abuse addiction or experiencing an overdose.

What Is K2?

K2 is one of the nicknames for synthetic cannabis. Another name for this mind-altering drug is Spice, among others. It’s also known as fake weed. It’s more harmful and can be four to 50 times stronger than natural pot. People who use the Schedule I substance either smoke it or vape it.

Despite being compared to marijuana, it doesn’t actually contain weed at all and is highly addictive. It typically contains dry blends of herbs or plants. The makers then sprinkle or spray them with manufactured chemicals that mimic THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis. As an unregulated product, the lack of manufacturing standards or quality control means users are never quite sure what they are getting. This increases the risks of adverse relations, addiction, or overdose.

What Does Fake Weed Look Like?

Sellers usually carry synthetic cannabis in foiled, colorful plastic bottles or pouches with catchy names. Some examples include Black Mamba, Blue Giant, and Scooby Snax. In fact, K2 and Spice were initially brand names that became nicknames.

Avoiding legal problems, sellers market it as potpourri or herbal incense and label the packages with “not for human consumption.” Inside, the substance is often finely cut leaves with a greenish-brown color. It doesn’t contain buds like real cannabis.

In addition, K2 could be a liquid that convenience stores sell in a vial. Intended for vaping, the vials have a label on them that claims CBD oil is inside. However, they actually contain harmful synthetic cannabinoid oil.

How Do Synthetic Cannabinoids Affect the Body?

Since fake weed mimics THC, it acts on the same receptors in the brain. With an increased potency, though, it can have extreme physical and mental effects. The effects are difficult to predict because there’s no quality control during manufacture. Two packages of the same synthetic weed can have different chemical components and strengths.

K2 can distort people’s awareness and perceptions and cause psychotic episodes. Its short-term psychotic effects can include hallucinations, confusion, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, and severe anxiety. Physically, it can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, and rapid heart rate.

K2 also has a risk of kidney failure, stroke, and heart attack. Synthetic cannabinoid addiction, poisoning, and overdose are real concerns as well. Along with the above effects, the signs may include:

• Trouble breathing
• Dizziness and sleepiness
• Lack of coordination
• Chest pain
• High body temperature and blood pressure
• Muscle spasms
• Unexplained bleeding
• Synthetic weed poisoning and overdose can cause coma and death too. For that reason, people who suffer from the above symptoms need emergency treatment as soon as possible.

Furthermore, people can develop an addiction to K2 because of the chemicals that it contains. When they decide to quit, they need a medical detox to make it through the withdrawal process. They must follow up that treatment with rehab to learn how to avoid relapse.

Get Reliable K2 Addiction Treatment

Are you looking for a synthetic cannabinoid addiction treatment program? Look no further than Beaches Recovery. Alongside our marijuana addiction rehab, our substance abuse treatments include:

• Alcohol addiction rehab
• Opiate addiction rehab
• Cocaine addiction rehab
• Meth addiction rehab
• Adderall addiction treatment

Don’t let synthetic weed addiction ruin your life. Learn more about K2 and how to reclaim your life of sobriety during our treatment program. Call Beaches Recovery to begin your treatment at 866.605.0532.