What Is Spice/K2?

Spice, also known as K2, is a synthetic cannabinoid designed to mimic the effects of natural THC, the active compound in cannabis. Despite its reputation as a “legal high”, Spice/K2 has been associated with serious health risks and unpredictable effects.

History

Spice was first developed in the early 2000s as part of scientific research into cannabinoid receptors. The product quickly gained popularity as a “legal alternative” to cannabis because the synthetic cannabinoids used in it were not initially classified as controlled substances.

By 2008, Spice products had spread across Europe and the United States, raising concerns due to their severe side effects. Governments and regulatory bodies have since moved to ban these substances, despite manufacturer efforts to altered the chemical composition to evade legal restrictions¹.

Is Spice/K2 Illegal?

–United States: Spice is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act (2012), making it illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess².

–United Kingdom: Synthetic cannabinoids are classified as Class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act, with penalties for possession and distribution³.

-Australia: Synthetic cannabinoids are controlled under various state laws, with a national ban on most compounds⁴.

-European Union: Many member states have placed bans on synthetic cannabinoids, although enforcement varies.

-Asia: Countries like Singapore and China have strict bans and penalties for synthetic cannabinoids⁵.

Appearance/Odor

Spice products typically appear as dried plant material sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids. The herbs are often colored green, brown, or yellow. Some products may also contain powders or liquids for vaping.

The odor can vary, often described as sweet, herbal, or chemical. Unlike natural marijuana, Spice’s smell is usually artificial and less pungent⁶.

How Is Spice/K2 Made?

Spice is synthesized by creating chemical compounds that mimic THC’s effects on the endocannabinoid system. These compounds are sprayed onto dried plant material, which is then packaged for distribution. The synthesis often involves hazardous chemicals, and the lack of regulation results in inconsistencies in potency and composition⁷.

Pharmacokinetics

Synthetic cannabinoids like those in Spice are absorbed through the lungs or gastrointestinal tract, depending on the route of administration. These compounds bind strongly to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain, leading to rapid onset of effects. Metabolism occurs in the liver, primarily via the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and metabolites are excreted through the urine⁸.

Pharmacodynamics

Unlike THC, which is a partial agonist of cannabinoid receptors, synthetic cannabinoids act as full agonists. This increased potency leads to more intense and longer-lasting effects but also a higher risk of adverse outcomes, such as psychosis, seizures, and cardiovascular issues⁹.

Routes of Administration

–Smoking: The most common method, involves rolling the substance in paper or smoking it in a pipe.

–Vaping: Liquid forms of Spice are used in e-cigarettes.

–Oral Ingestion: Spice can be brewed into tea or consumed in edible forms.

–Snorting: Rare but possible with powdered forms of synthetic cannabinoids¹⁰.

Effects

The effects of Spice can vary widely, but common experiences include:

-Euphoria

-Altered perception of time and space

-Relaxation

-Increased heart rate

-Paranoia

-Hallucinations

-Aggression

-Nausea and vomiting

Severe side effects include seizures, kidney damage, and death. Unlike marijuana, Spice is associated with unpredictable and often dangerous outcomes¹¹.

Speed of Onset

The effects of Spice typically begin within 5–10 minutes of use and can last several hours, depending on the dose and individual metabolism. Smoking or vaping tends to result in faster onset compared to oral ingestion¹².

How Long Does Spice/K2 Stay In Your System?

–Test Methods: Specialized tests, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), are required to detect synthetic cannabinoids.

–Window of Detection: Synthetic cannabinoids can be detected in urine for 1–3 days after use, though chronic users may test positive for up to 7 days.

–Cutoff Levels: Testing thresholds vary but the most common cutoff used for determining urine specimens as positive is 25 ng/mL. However, some test methods use cutoffs as low as 10 ng/mL up to a high of 50 ng/mL.

Supply Chain Sources/Locations

Spice is often manufactured in clandestine labs, primarily in countries like China and India, where chemical regulations may be less stringent. The product is then distributed globally through online marketplaces and street-level dealers. The lack of oversight in production raises concerns about contamination and variability in potency₁₃.

Street Prices

Spice is relatively inexpensive, making it accessible to a wide range of users:

-Small packets (1–3 grams): $10–$30

-Larger quantities: $50–$100 for bulk purchases

Prices vary based on location, quality, and demand₁₄.

User Demographics/Statistics

–Age: Spice use is most prevalent among adolescents and young adults (ages 15–25).

–Gender: Males are more likely to use Spice than females.

–Geography: Usage rates are higher in urban areas and regions with strict marijuana laws.

–Motivations: Common reasons for using Spice instead of marijuana include avoiding detection in drug tests, curiosity, and seeking a cheaper alternative to cannabis₁₅.

Feedback on User Satisfaction/Experiences

Feedback from users reveals a mixed user experience with Spice:

–Positive Experiences: Some users report feelings of relaxation and euphoria similar to cannabis.

–Negative Experiences: Many users describe severe side effects, such as panic attacks, hallucinations, and physical discomfort.

Frequent discussions emphasize the risks of unpredictability and addiction, with many users advising against trying Spice altogether₁₆.

Spice/K2 vs. Marijuana

Spice/K2 is often marketed as a legal or synthetic alternative to marijuana, but the two substances differ significantly in potency, predictability, and safety profile.

Natural marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, leading to its psychoactive effects. In contrast, Spice typically contains synthetic cannabinoids, which are full agonists at these receptors. This results in a much stronger and often unpredictable effect that can lead to serious adverse reactions such as psychosis, seizures, and cardiovascular issues.

Additionally, while marijuana’s effects are relatively well-studied and predictable, Spice blends vary widely in chemical composition, making their potency and safety unpredictable. This variability significantly increases the risk of overdose and severe health complications compared to natural cannabis. Long-term use of Spice has also been associated with kidney damage and other systemic issues, which are less common with marijuana.

Spice/K2 vs. Salvia

Salvia divinorum is a naturally occurring hallucinogenic plant containing salvinorin A, a potent kappa-opioid receptor agonist. Unlike Spice, which primarily acts on cannabinoid receptors, Salvia affects a different part of the brain, leading to intense but short-lived hallucinations and dissociative experiences.

Salvia’s effects typically last only a few minutes to an hour, whereas the effects of Spice can last several hours and are often accompanied by more severe physical and psychological side effects. Salvia is generally considered less dangerous due to its short duration and lack of addictive potential. On the other hand, Spice poses a higher risk of long-term health complications, addiction, and severe mental health disorders.

Spice/K2 vs. Bath Salts (MDPV)

MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone), commonly known as “bath salts”, shares similarities with Spice in that it is also a synthetic drug designed to mimic natural substances while evading legal restrictions. MDPV is a stimulant that primarily acts on dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, leading to effects such as euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness. However, it also has significant risks, including paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior.

Spice and MDPV are alike in their unpredictability and the high variability in chemical formulations, making it difficult for users to gauge potency or effects. Both drugs have been linked to severe health consequences, including cardiovascular and neurological issues. However, Spice is more commonly associated with psychosis and acute mental health episodes, while MDPV users are at greater risk of stimulant-induced aggression and hyperthermia.

These comparisons highlight the unique risks posed by Spice/K2, emphasizing its higher potency, unpredictability, and greater potential for harm compared to natural or other synthetic substances.

Conclusion

Spice/K2 has a complex and controversial history. While initially marketed as a legal cannabis alternative, its unpredictable effects and severe health risks have led to widespread bans and public health concerns. Education and regulation can help mitigate the dangers associated with this substance.

References

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Synthetic Cannabinoids.” Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/synthetic-cannabinoids-k2spice
2. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. “Synthetic Drugs: Amphetamine-Type Stimulants and New Psychoactive Substances.” Available at: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/synthetic-drugs/
3. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). “Synthetic Cannabinoids in Europe: A Review.” Available at: https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/topics/synthetic-cannabinoids_en
4. Australian Government Department of Health. “Synthetic Drugs and Their Impact.” Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/synthetic-drugs
5. Singapore Central Narcotics Bureau. “Control and Regulation of Synthetic Cannabis.” Available at: https://www.cnb.gov.sg/educational-resources/drug-information
6. Wiley, J. L., Marusich, J. A., & Huffman, J. W. “Pharmacological and Toxicological Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids.” Forensic Science Review. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24982657/
7. Bassir Nia, A., et al. “Synthetic Cannabinoid–Related Illnesses and Deaths.” Current Psychiatry Reports. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31089903/
8. NIH National Library of Medicine. “Synthetic Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity.” Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5038426/
9. Seely, K. A., et al. “Pharmacodynamic Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids.” Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26513585/
10. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). “Routes of Administration of Synthetic Cannabinoids.” Available at: https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications
11. Tait, R. J., et al. “A Systematic Review of Adverse Events Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoids.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25827495/
12. Huestis, M. A., et al. “Onset and Duration of Action of Synthetic Cannabinoids.” Drug Testing and Analysis.Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23754560/
13. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. “Synthetic Drug Production and Trafficking.” Available at: https://www.unodc.org/synthetic-drugs/
14. Zimmerman, C. “The Economics of Synthetic Drugs: Pricing and Distribution.” International Journal of Drug Policy. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29871074/
15. Trecki, J., Gerona, R. R., & Schwartz, M. D. “Synthetic Cannabinoid Dosing and Overdose Risk.” Clinical Toxicology. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25620791/
16. Winstock, A. R., et al. “User Demographics and Motivations for Synthetic Cannabinoid Use.” Drug and Alcohol Review. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24372954/