Known by a variety of names, including Bliss, Nice, Black Mamba, Incense, Spice and even fake weed, K2 is a mixture of plant leaves or natural herbs (such as canavalia rosea, clematis nuciferia, heima salicfolia, and ledum palustre) that have been mixed and laced with synthetic chemicals. Various sources report that K2 also contains the synthetic cannabis JWH-018 which is designed to mimic the active ingredient in marijuana known as THC.
Like Bath Salts, they’re sold in head shops and convenience stores as well as online. People are drawn to K2 because it’s easy to get, it’s perceived as legal, and because schools and sports teams don’t test for it. It’s also easy to use. It can be smoked or even brewed like tea.
Experts point out that due to the chemicals and additives used in K2 and other synthetics, users don’t know exactly what they are getting in each dose. Therefore their side effects vary greatly. This is the reason why it’s so dangerous.
Effects in low doses include sleepiness, relaxation, reduced blood pressure. Other effects include fast heartbeat, dangerously elevated blood pressure, pale skin and vomiting. Many experts suggest that K2 affects the cardiovascular system of users. It also is believed to affect the central nervous system, causing severe, potentially life-threatening hallucinations, delusions and, in some cases, seizures.
If someone you know is struggling with addiction, Horizon can help. We have inpatient and outpatient rehab care in Buffalo and throughout Western New York. Please call us at (716) 831-1800.
Sources used to write this article:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_k2_drug
http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2012/06/13/spice-vs-bath-salts-the-other-designer-drug-scare/
http://www.livescience.com/6149-fake-weed-real-drug-k2-causing-hallucinations-teens.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_k2_drug#ixzz24Cw9Mz4X
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