Whether you’re an avid substance abuser or a recreational user, it is of the utmost importance that you recognize the harms and risks you bring upon yourself when smoking synthetic marijuana. Sure, you may be able to pass a drug test for synthetic marijuana and it may be cheaper than the real kind, but truth is, it’s more dangerous. Now, we are not suggesting that you smoke real marijuana, but we are stating the facts, and the facts show that synthetic cannabinoids are extremely dangerous to your health and society.
To live a clean and sober life, you must avoid all types of mind-altering substances, and this includes ones that are legal, like synthetic marijuana. For now, let’s take a look at information on synthetic weed that tells us why to stay away from smoking synthetic cannabinoids.
It doesn’t deserve to be called synthetic marijuana
Just because it’s called synthetic marijuana does not mean it’s marijuana in any shape or form. In fact, the two have very little in common. Known for being a natural substance, real marijuana is not laced with other substances. Synthetic marijuana, however, is a combination of substances, many of which are extremely harmful to the body and your mental health. The only reason synthetic marijuana has its name is because it contains cannabinoids, which are meant to mimic the effects of real marijuana. But, if you have ever smoked synthetic marijuana before, then you know firsthand that the effects are quite different than that of real marijuana.
The adverse effects keep increasing
The number of people who are experiencing adverse effects directly caused by synthetic marijuana continues to increase. In 2015, US poison control centers received more than 3,500 calls relating to the adverse effects of synthetic marijuana, and this was just during the months of January through May! There have been numerous emergency room visits caused by the consumption of synthetic marijuana and even some fatalities.
It can lead to psychosis
In addition to the possibility of death, synthetic marijuana can lead to psychosis and other serious mental health conditions. Some people who have used this substance state they had hallucinations and went through varying psychotic episodes. It is important to note that these symptoms can affect anyone who uses the drug. Whether you are an experienced substance abuser or not, a single hit of synthetic marijuana can cause you to display symptoms of schizophrenia. Take for example the Phoenix husband who murdered his wife and decapitated her, all while being under the influence of synthetic marijuana.