"Spice" and "K-2" are just two names for products sold as incense that some people misuse to get high. The incense is sprayed with one or more chemicals.
What names are Spice or K-2 sold under?
Genie, Mary Jo, Red Magic, Spice Gold, Yucatan Fire, Blueberry Medication, K-3, Super Skunk, and many others.
Why do people smoke synthetic marijuana?
These products were initially marketed as legal substitutes for marijuana. Some users say it feels like a marijuana high. Unlike natural marijuana, there is no way to know all the ingredients that are put into the synthetic products. The chemicals do not test positive for marijuana on a drug test.
Are people still using these products?
Yes. Poison centers continue to get calls about people using synthetic marijuana. In fact, most of our calls about these products come from doctors in emergency rooms, treating people who are sick because of synthetic marijuana use. Using these products can cause serious symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, seizures, and kidney injury.
Is it illegal to buy or possess?
As of June 1, 2011, these substances became illegal in North Carolina. However, when one ingredient becomes illegal in a state, sellers often import another synthetic marijuana product with a different chemical ingredient.
Why was synthetic marijuana banned?
Synthetic marijuana was banned because of the dangerous symptoms users experience, which can include:
fast heartbeat, vomiting, extreme nervousness, hallucinations, tremors, and seizures
Many who have smoked the incense say it's not the mellow high that they expected.
For more information or for medical assistance after contact with Spice/K-2, call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or chat from this site.
