Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

Get Help Now 800-934-1582 Sponsored

As of 2026, synthetic marijuana is illegal in all 50 states. However, manufacturers continually find ways around the law by altering specific chemicals in forms such as K2 or spice. Synthetic week has been classified as a Schedule I substance, meaning it has no accepted medical use and carries with it a high potential for abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, manufacturers are falsely labeling it as a natural psychoactive substance made from many natural herbs. Because many people think natural is not dangerous, they use synthetic marijuana and find themselves in deep trouble.

What is Synthetic Marijuana?

This designer substance is marketed as an all-natural, legal version of marijuana with the same effects and positive benefits. Most of the time, synthetic marijuana is a mixture of:

• dwarf skullcap
• lion’s tail
• blue Egyptian water lily
• beach bean
• blue or black cohosh
• Indian lotus
• honeyweed
• Indian warrior

While this combination of herbs is generally not considered dangerous, what is sprayed on them is. The synthetic marijuana trade started with HU-210, a compound similar to the THC found in natural marijuana. When the Drug Enforcement Administration changed its designation to a Schedule I drug, manufacturers began finding new and more dangerous chemicals to use. Some sources say that manufacturers have made a game of producing new substances to use to stay ahead of the DEA, making their products illegal.

Why is it Dangerous?

Synthetic marijuana is dangerous because many of the compounds they spray on the herbal mixture produce powerful, unwanted effects. According to the National Library of Medicine, synthetic marijuana is nothing like the natural version of the drug. Some of its effects include:

• euphoria
• paranoia
• relaxation
• altered perceptions of time and space
• extreme psychotic reactions
• apathy
• lethargy
• extreme high blood pressure
• addiction
• decreased blood flow to the heart and vital organs
• vomiting
• hallucinations
• aggression
• agitation
• kidney failure
• confusion
• delusions

It is important to remember that although synthetic marijuana is marketed as cannabis, it is not the same substance. Synthetic marijuana is risky because it is stronger and less predictable, making even occasional use potentially dangerous.

For more information about synthetic marijuana, its uses, addiction and how to get off this dangerous drug, call us at 800-934-1582(Sponsored) .

Narcotics.com is user supported. We receive a commission fee from purchases made through BetterHelp links. Learn More