Spice (also known as K2 or Synthetic Cannabis) is a relatively new drug that has become increasing popular as a recreational drug over the last few years. Because the drug has not been around for long, not a lot is known about how it works or how long spice can stay in your body. Spice was one of the first “legal highs” to find favour with drug takers in the UK, (You may want to read our blog post, Is Spice Legal?)
Spice is a drug that is mainly smoked and is made up of one or more synthetic cannabinoids. Because so many brands of spice are available on the market, it is often difficult to know exactly what is in each one without laboratory analysis of the product itself.
When we look at synthetic cannabinoids on their own, we have a better idea of how long each of them can stay in the body. For example, two popularly used synthetic cannabinoids are JWH-018 and JWH-073. Both of these can be detected in your system for up to 72 hours are first being used.
What’s in Spice?
Spice is normally sold in small foil packets that contain dried plant material that has been sprayed with chemicals that we call synthetic cannabinoids. The 5 most often seen synthetic cannabinoids in spice are:
JWH-018
JWH-073
JWH-200
CP-47,497
cannabicyclohexanol
Because these are just five of the many synthetic cannabinoids on the market, it is difficult to determine what exactly is in each packet of Spice without carrying out laboratory tests. (Note: At last count, it was estimated that there were nearly 200 synthetic cannabinoids being produced today.)
What Does Spice Do to Your Body?
The short terms effects of using Spice are very similar to those of cannabis. However, the drug has dangerous side-effects that we are not so clear about, with psychotic episodes being the most concerning.
We can’t always know what is in spice because of the mixture of synthetic cannabinoids vary so much. We do know the drug can be stored in the body for a long time and because of that the long-term effects are not really known.
Spice Drug Testing
Drug testing for spice is still in its infancy and spice drug test kits are only available from specialist suppliers such as Zoom Testing. The typical multi-parameter drug test kit used by most employers will not detect spice. For example, the biggest urine drug test kit that we currently supply doesn’t check for spice.
Just because a typical employer drug test kit does not check for spice does not mean that synthetic cannabinoids will not be tested for by an employers. Many companies are now all too aware of the problem of “legal highs” and will not rely on using just a multi-panel drug test kit that detects traditional illicit drugs. They will employer additional tests, such as a single drug test kit for spice that does detect synthetic cannabinoids.
How Long Does Spice Stay in Your Body?
Experts are still not 100% sure about the answer to this questions. More research will need to be carried out to establish the effect of the drug in the long term and how the body rids itself of synthetic cannabinoids. The effects of of spice have been reported by some to last for between days and weeks.
Synthetic Cannabinoids: The Unknown Dangers
While the effects of synthetic cannabinoids like those found in Spice may initially mimic cannabis, their potential long-term dangers are far less understood. Unlike natural cannabis whose effects have been studied for decades, these man-made chemical compounds are relatively new to the scene. Let’s explore some of the risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids.
Unpredictable Strength
One major issue is that synthetic cannabinoids can be exponentially more potent than THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Their chemical composition also frequently changes, making consistent dosing nearly impossible. You simply can’t predict how intensely a particular batch will affect you.
Harmful Side Effects
Documented side effects from using synthetic cannabinoids include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Agitation and anxiety
- Irregular heart rate
- Seizures
- Hallucinations and psychosis
More severe reactions like kidney damage, heart attacks, and even deaths have also been reported. Essentially, you’re playing a game of Russian roulette with your health.
High Addiction Potential
Despite being marketed as a “safe” alternative to cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids are highly addictive. User reports indicate intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms like headaches, anxiety, insomnia and depression when trying to quit. Breaking free from dependence can be extremely challenging.
Tainted Manufacturing
Since synthetic cannabinoids are produced illicitly in underground labs, there’s no quality control or oversight into the manufacturing process. Dangerous adulterants or byproducts could easily end up contaminating batches. You have no way to verify what hazardous substances you may be consuming.
The Risks Outweigh Any Perceived Benefits
At the end of the day, any potential “legal high” from smoking Spice simply isn’t worth sacrificing your health and wellbeing. With so many unknown factors and documented dangers, using synthetic cannabinoids is an unpredictable gamble. Why put yourself at such severe risk?
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to Spice or other synthetic drugs, please seek professional help immediately. The road to recovery may be difficult, but regaining control of your life is invaluable. Play it safe – stay away from synthetic cannabinoids.
Detecting Spice and More with Zoom Testing’s Comprehensive 10 Panel Urine Drug Test
This 10 Panel Drug Test Kit from Zoom Testing offers a comprehensive solution for detecting a wide range of substances, including the infamous Spice or Synthetic Cannabis. This innovative test not only screens for the presence of Spice but also identifies nine other commonly abused drugs, making it an invaluable tool for maintaining a safe and drug-free environment.
Alongside Spice, this test can detect the presence of substances like Amphetamines, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, and Methamphetamines, providing a comprehensive overview of potential substance abuse. Additionally, it screens for Ketamine, a powerful dissociative anaesthetic, and even includes a test for Nicotine, allowing for monitoring of smoking habits.
One of the key advantages of Zoom Testing’s 10 Panel Drug Test Kit is its accuracy and reliability, meeting the stringent standards set forth by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This ensures that the results obtained are trustworthy and can be used for various purposes, including pre-employment screening or clinical settings.
As UK drug testing experts, Zoom Testing understands the importance of providing comprehensive and reliable solutions. The 10 Panel Drug Test Kit is not only easy to use but also offers a cost-effective way to maintain a drug-free environment, whether in the workplace, educational institutions, or healthcare facilities.
Photo: “Spice” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
