What is Synthetic Cannabinoid? Everything You Need to Know

Synthetic cannabinoids are artificial chemicals designed to mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis. However, they are not natural cannabis products and can carry severe health risks. In this guide, we explain what synthetic cannabinoids are, how they work, their risks, and legal status worldwide.

---

🌿 What Are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids (also called K2, Spice, or herbal incense) are chemicals sprayed onto plant material to be smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporised in e-cigarettes. They interact with the same brain receptors as THC, producing similar psychoactive effects.

However, they are often much stronger and carry unpredictable, dangerous side effects.

---

🧪 How Are Synthetic Cannabinoids Made?

Originally, these compounds were developed in labs for research into the endocannabinoid system and potential medical uses. Criminal groups later adapted these formulas to create recreational drugs sold under names like K2, Spice, Black Mamba, or Cloud 9.

They are not cannabis but synthetic chemicals manufactured in illicit labs, often with inconsistent potency.

---

🚨 Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids

✅ Short-Term Effects

• Euphoria or relaxation (similar to THC)

• Altered perception and mood

• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

• Confusion or paranoia

❌ Severe Side Effects

• Hallucinations or psychosis

• Extreme anxiety or aggression

• Seizures

• Vomiting and severe nausea

• Kidney damage or failure

• Heart attacks or strokes

Because of their unregulated nature, different batches can have dramatically different strengths, leading to overdoses and deaths.

---

⚠️ Are Synthetic Cannabinoids Legal?

Most countries have banned synthetic cannabinoids due to their dangers. For example:

• USA: The DEA has classified many synthetic cannabinoids as Schedule I controlled substances, making their sale, possession, or use illegal.

• UK: Banned under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, with severe penalties for supply.

• EU and Canada: Many synthetic cannabinoids are controlled drugs with strict legal penalties.

However, illegal manufacturers constantly alter chemical formulas to avoid bans, creating new compounds with unknown risks.

---

💡 Why Do People Use Synthetic Cannabinoids?

People may choose synthetic cannabinoids because:

• They are cheap and accessible.

• They do not smell like cannabis, making them harder to detect.

• Users believe they avoid drug testing (though advanced tests can detect them).

Despite these reasons, the risks far outweigh the benefits.

---

🧠 How Do Synthetic Cannabinoids Work?

These chemicals bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, similar to THC, but often with much higher potency. This causes overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system, leading to unpredictable and dangerous effects.

---

✅ Key Takeaways

✔️ Synthetic cannabinoids are NOT natural cannabis.
✔️ They are dangerous, unregulated chemicals with severe health risks.
✔️ Legal penalties are severe in most countries.
✔️ Seek help immediately if you or someone you know experiences adverse reactions after using these substances.