Synthetic marijuana, marketed as K2, is an herbal substance sold as an incense or smoking material that is currently legal throughout most of the United States, even though the product contains one or more synthetic compounds that behave similarly to the primary psychoactive constituent or marijuana. With the rise of marijuana addiction currently happening amongst teenagers and young adults, it’s no wonder K2 addiction in South Florida is also a problem.
K2 is packaged with typically bright colors and has psychedelic patterns on the envelopes containing the product. It looks a lot like potpourri and consists of leaves, stems and petals or aromatic plants. These plants are crushed and then laced with the active chemicals.
The drugs contained within K2 are synthetic chemicals produced in a lab and their safety has yet to be studied. Side effects are also pretty unknown and reports of users getting sick and showing up in the emergency room are increasing. And although no official studies have been conducted regarding K2’s effect on humans, extremely large doses may cause negative effects that are generally not noted in marijuana users, such as increased agitation and vomiting.
Another factor contributing to the rise of K2 addiction in South Florida is that use of the drug does not cause a positive drug test for cannabis or other illegal drugs. Immediate physical affects observed in teenagers and young adults who have smoked K2 are as follows:
- Dizziness
- Confusion/disorientation
- Heightened anxiety
- Increased pulse
Whereas long term behavioral affects range from los of interest in favorite extracurricular activities, changes in levels of energy and changes in friends or social circles.
The Delray Center for Healing can help you or a loved one struggling with K2 addiction in South Florida. Programs are tailored to fit individual needs and both inpatient and outpatient treatment options are available.
