Overview: K2 or "Spice" is a mixture of herbs and spices that is typically sprayed with a synthetic compound of chemically similar to THC, the psychoative ingredients in marijuana. The chemical compounds typically include HU-210, HU-211, JWH-018, and JWH-073. K2 is commonly purchased in head shops, tobacco shops, various retail outlets, and over the Internet. It is often marketed as incense or "fake weed." Purchasing over the Internet can be dangerous because it is not usually known where the products come from or what amount of chemical is on the organic material.

 

Street Names: Bilss, Black Mamba, Bombay Blue, Fake Weed, Genie, Spice, Zohai.

 

Looks Like: K2 is typically sold in small, silvery plastic bags of dried leaves marked as incense that can be smoked. It is said to resemble potpourri.

 

Methods of Abuse: K2 products are usually smoked in joints or pipes, but some users make it into a tea.

 

Affect on Mind: Psychological effects are similar to those of marijuana and include paranoia, panic attacks, and giddiness.

 

Affect on Body: Physiological effects of K2 include increased heart rate and increase of blood pressure. It appears to be stored in the body for long periods of time, and therefore the long-term effects on humans are not fully known.

 

Drugs Causing Similar Effects: Marijuana

 

Overdose Effects: There have been countless numbers of overdoses and deaths across the U.S. Most overdoses requiring emergency room care yet some addicts refuse to seek medical treatment. K2/ Spice most common use in ages range from 12 to 25. Overdoses are on the rise with an increase in mental health issues - memory loss, hallucinations, seizures, psychosis, aggression, as well as organ damage and potentially death. Research is ongoing. We are constantly learning more, updating information, yet chemical composition and statistics of overdoses/ deaths change as we speak.

 

*Above information and image below courtesy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (www.dea.gov)