"Spice (drug)" redirects here. For the fictional drug in Frank Herbert's Dune novels, see Melange (fictional drug).
Bag and contents of a well-known early brand of synthetic cannabinoids named Spice that contains herbs covered with synthetic cannabinoids, now illegal throughout much of the world
Typically, synthetic cannabinoids are sprayed onto plant matter[5] and are usually smoked,[6] although they have also been ingested as a concentrated liquid form in the United States and United Kingdom since 2016.[7] They have been marketed as herbal incense, or "herbal smoking blends",[6] and sold under common names like K2, spice,[8] and synthetic marijuana.[5] They are often labeled "not for human consumption" for liability defense.[8] A large and complex variety of synthetic cannabinoids are designed in an attempt to avoid legal restrictions on cannabis, making synthetic cannabinoids designer drugs.[6]
Reported user negative effects include palpitations, paranoia, intense anxiety, nausea, vomiting, confusion, poor coordination, and seizures. There have also been reports of a strong compulsion to re-dose, withdrawal symptoms, and persistent cravings.[12] There have been several deaths linked to synthetic cannabinoids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the number of deaths from synthetic cannabinoid use tripled between 2014 and 2015.[13][14] In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration warned of significant health risks from synthetic cannabinoid products that contain the rat poison brodifacoum, which is added because it is thought to extend the duration of the drugs' effects.[15] Severe illnesses and death have resulted from this contamination.[15]
^Diao X, Huestis MA (February 2017). "Approaches, Challenges, and Advances in Metabolism of New Synthetic Cannabinoids and Identification of Optimal Urinary Marker Metabolites". Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 101 (2): 239–253. doi:10.1002/cpt.534. PMID27727455. S2CID10910467.