Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as Spice, K2, and other brand names, are man-made chemicals that mimic some of marijuana’s effects. Despite being marketed as “natural” or safe alternatives, these substances are often unregulated, sometimes illegal, and can be dangerous due to their unpredictable effects and potential for misuse.¹

What Are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids belong to a class of drugs called new (or novel) psychoactive substances (NPS). These are lab-made chemicals designed to imitate the effects of regulated or illicit drugs.^1,2

While they are often sold as a legal substitute for marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids can be much stronger and more harmful.² Manufacturers typically spray the compounds onto dried plant material, making the product resemble potpourri that can be smoked, or sell them in liquid form for vaping.^2,3

These mind-altering chemicals act on the same brain receptors as THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, but the effects are often more intense and unpredictable.^1,2 

Because ingredients and health risks are rarely disclosed, users may not know what they are consuming, increasing the risk of serious side effects.^1,3 

To attract younger audiences, synthetic cannabinoids are marketed under a wide variety of brand names, including:¹

• Spice
• AK-47.
• Blaze.
• Ninja.
• Fire.
• Paradise.
• Serenity.
• Fake weed.
• Smoke.
• Skunk.
• Zohai.

How Do People Use Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Spice, K2, and other synthetic cannabinoids can be used in several ways, depending on the product. Common methods of use include:^1,2,4

• Smoking plant material sprayed with chemicals, often in a pipe or rolled into cigarettes. Sometimes the substances are sprinkled on top of marijuana.
• Eating or drinking by brewing them into tea or mixing them with food.
• Vaping liquid formulations using e-cigarettes or other devices.

Increasing Popularity of Synthetic Marijuana

Since they were first developed, synthetic cannabinoids have grown in popularity, especially among people looking for unregulated or “legal” alternatives to marijuana.

Sometimes called “fake weed,” these drugs produce psychoactive effects similar to THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main compound in marijuana.² However, their effects are often stronger and more unpredictable, which makes them more dangerous.² 

To attract younger audiences, products are often sold under playful names and marketed as incense, potpourri, or other misleading labels.²

Are Spice and K2 Addictive?

Yes. Synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and K2 can be addictive. People who use them regularly may develop dependence and experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop.² Common withdrawal effects include anxiety, depression, headache, and irritability.²

Spice and K2 Addiction Signs and Symptoms

If you think you are misusing synthetic cannabinoids, it can be helpful to know common signs of addiction to help decide when to seek help. Only a doctor can give a formal diagnosis; however, the following criteria for substance use disorder (SUD) from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) may be useful in better understanding misuse and addiction:⁷

• Using Spice/K2 in larger quantities or more frequently than originally intended.
• Inability to cut back or stop using Spice/K2 even though you want to.
• Spending excessive amounts of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of Spice/K2.
• Experiencing cravings, or intense desires to use Spice/K2.
• Inability to fulfill work, home, or school obligations and recreational activities because of Spice/K2 use.
• Continuing to use Spice/K2 even when you experience social or interpersonal problems, which are caused or worsened by misuse.
• Recurrent Spice/K2 use in situations where it’s physically hazardous, such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery.
• Continuing to use Spice/K2 even when you have a chronic physical or mental health problem that is likely caused by or worsened by its use.
• Experiencing tolerance, which means you need more Spice/K2 to feel its previous effects.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly stop or reduce your intake of Spice/K2, which may contribute to relapse to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids may cause effects similar to marijuana, such as relaxation, euphoria, or altered perception.² But they can also produce severe psychiatric symptoms, including confusion, delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia.²

These effects occur because of the way synthetic cannabinoids bind to nerve cell receptors in your brain, similar to how they bind with THC in marijuana.

However, substances like Spice and K2 can bind more strongly, which may produce more severe and longer-lasting effects that are also unpredictable.² And because there are no regulations or standards governing the manufacturing and selling of synthetic cannabinoids, it’s difficult to predict which chemical is being taken.

Products may be contaminated with other chemicals (e.g., synthetic cathinones or “bath salts”), and consistency between brands can be highly variable.⁴ 

Some of the known adverse health effects that have been reported include:^1,2,4

• Difficulty thinking clearly and focusing.
• Headaches.
• Heart palpitations
• Rapid heart rate.
• High blood pressure.
• Numbness and tingling.
• Feeling sleepy and dizzy.
• Problems breathing.
• Vomiting.
• Issues with the gastrointestinal tract.
• Agitation, severe anxiety, aggression, and violent outbursts.
• Thoughts of suicide.

The long-term effects of synthetic cannabinoids have not been extensively studied and aren’t fully known.^2,4

Synthetic Cannabinoid Withdrawal Symptoms

Uncomfortable and potentially severe withdrawal symptoms can occur if a person who regularly uses synthetic cannabinoids stops using suddenly.^2,4

Common withdrawal symptoms after stopping regular use of synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and K2 can include:^2,4

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Headaches.
• Moodiness or irritability.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sweating.

Evidence suggests that more severe withdrawal symptoms may occur after using heavily for a prolonged period, including:⁴

• Difficulty breathing.
• Fast heart rate or palpitations.
• Pain in the chest.
• Seizures.

Can You Overdose on Synthetic Cannabinoids?

It is possible to experience a Spice/K2 overdose or an overdose on other synthetic cannabinoids.¹

An overdose happens when too much of a substance is taken, leading to severe, dangerous, and potentially fatal conditions including:^1,2,4

• Loss of consciousness.
• Psychotic episodes.
• Kidney failure.
• Seizures.
• Reduction of blood to the heart.
• High blood pressure, which may result in stroke, heart attack, or even death.

Treatment for Spice/K2 and Synthetic Cannabinoid Addiction

If you or someone you care about is struggling with Spice or K2 misuse and wants to stop, there are several ways to get help.

You can start by reaching out to a trusted friend or loved one or speaking with your doctor about treatment options.

Substance misuse treatment can occur in different types of settings and at various intensity levels depending on your needs.

For people with co-occurring disorders like mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety or depression), it may be helpful to have more supervision to help support with medication and other interventions as needed.

Treatment should address both substance misuse and mental health conditions at the same time.⁵ Examples of levels of care and common types of treatment interventions include:^2,5

• Inpatient treatment where you live at the facility for the duration of treatment and have constant supervision.
• Outpatient treatment in which you visit the facility to receive care on a schedule determined by you and your treatment team.
• Detoxification can occur at inpatient or outpatient facilities and at varying levels of care.
• Behavioral therapy encourages a motivation to change, better understand the roots of substance misuse, identify triggers to use, and help improve relationships.
• Mutual support groups.
• Medication for co-occurring disorders. Currently, there are no approved medications to treat synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal, cravings, or overdose.

Tips for Selecting a Spice/K2 Rehabilitation Center

There is not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to addiction treatment. The most important factor is that the treatment program offers individualized treatment plans to make sure all your needs are met.⁵

Factors to consider when choosing a Spice/K2 recovery center or another type of drug rehab include:⁵

• Cost. Program prices vary depending on the type of program, services offered, location, insurance, and medication management.
• Location. Do you have to travel far to attend treatment? Do you want to be close to home or have more distance to focus on recovery?
• Insurance. Many treatment facilities accept insurance, which may cover some or all the cost of treatment.
• Services offered. Do you want amenities like fitness classes, food, or a private room?
• Type of treatment. Types of treatment include detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient rehab.
• Demographic-specific treatment. This include things like gender, faith-based, or substance-specific programs.
• Duration of treatment. Do you require longer-term treatment at an inpatient facility or less intensive treatment?
• Co-occurring disorders. If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, it’s important that it be treated along with SUD.

Finding Help for Spice and K2 Misuse

Recovery from synthetic cannabinoid misuse is possible, and treatment can provide the support you need to move forward. No one has to face addiction alone. Help is available, and the right program can make a meaningful difference in your life or your loved one’s.

Use Recovery.com to explore treatment centers near you. You can compare programs, learn about the services they offer, and connect directly with facilities to find the best fit.

Taking the first step may feel overwhelming, but with the right support, lasting recovery is within reach.