Lance Carson
Incense is a product that is burned to create a fragrant smell, often used in religious ceremonies and for aromatherapy. However, the term incense has also been co-opted by manufacturers of synthetic cannabinoids, which are dangerous and illegal drugs designed to mimic the effects of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These synthetic drugs are often sold as herbal incense or potpourri and have been linked to severe adverse health effects, including elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, seizures, hallucinations, and even death. With the rise in popularity of these synthetic cannabinoids, particularly among young people, it is important to distinguish between traditional incense and these harmful synthetic drugs that are being abused for their psychoactive properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is incense a drug? | Synthetic legal intoxicating drugs, such as those commonly contained in products sold over the counter as "incense" and "bath salts", have risen in popularity in the past few years. |
| What is incense? | Incense, or "herbal incense", is a common name for synthetic cannabinoids, which are designed to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. |
| How is it used? | Synthetic cannabinoids are sprayed on dried plant material or sold as liquids to be inhaled in products like e-cigarettes or other vaping devices. |
| What are the effects? | The effects of synthetic cannabinoids include severe agitation and anxiety, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia (fast, racing heartbeat), elevated blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations. |
| Is it safe? | These products are unsafe, and the health effects from using them can be unpredictable, harmful, and even life-threatening. Numerous health warnings have been issued by public health authorities and poison control centers. |
| Is it legal? | Synthetic cannabinoids are often sold in legal retail outlets, but Congress has taken steps to ban many of these substances at the federal level. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense as a psychoactive drug
Incense has been used in religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries, but in recent years, a different type of incense has emerged—synthetic incense, also known as "herbal incense" or "potpourri". These products are not your traditional incense; they are designed to be smoked or vaporized and contain synthetic cannabinoids, which are chemicals that mimic the effects of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
Synthetic cannabinoids are often sprayed on dried plant material or sold as liquids to be inhaled through e-cigarettes or other vaping devices. They are packaged and sold under various brand names such as K2 and Spice, and they are readily available in retail outlets and online. The ease of access to these products, especially for young people, is concerning given the adverse health effects associated with their use.
The effects of synthetic cannabinoids can be harmful and unpredictable due to the constantly changing chemical compositions used in manufacturing. Health warnings have been issued by public health authorities and poison control centers, highlighting the severe risks associated with their use, including agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations. In some cases, users have experienced bleeding, bruising, and even life-threatening complications.
While the traditional incense used in religious ceremonies may have some psychoactive properties, such as the ingredient in frankincense that eases anxiety and elevates mood, the synthetic cannabinoids in "herbal incense" products are designed to induce a more potent psychoactive experience. The abuse of these synthetic incense products for their psychoactive effects has led to an increasing number of health and safety concerns.
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Adverse health effects of herbal incense
The use of herbal incense has been associated with a range of adverse health effects. Burning incense releases a complex mixture of suspended particulates and harmful gases, which can be easily inhaled and may lead to various health issues.
One of the primary concerns is the impact on respiratory health. Incense smoke contains irritants and carcinogens that can trigger respiratory allergies, irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and even contribute to the development of respiratory diseases such as asthma. Studies have also found a link between incense smoke and chronic inflammation in the body, which is caused by the processing of particulate matter into metabolites and the resulting oxidative stress. This inflammation may have broader implications for overall health, but further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.
The gaseous emissions from incense burning, such as SO2 and NO2, pose a significant risk to cardiovascular health. Even in small amounts, these emissions can aggravate existing cardiovascular disorders and enhance oxidative stress, leading to adverse metabolic changes. There is also evidence that prenatal exposure to incense burning may negatively impact infant health, with potential effects on birth weight, head circumference, and the development of hyperactive behaviours in preschoolers.
Additionally, some types of herbal incense may contain synthetic cannabinoids, which are designed to mimic the psychoactive effects of THC found in marijuana. These synthetic drugs are often abused for their psychoactive properties and can lead to adverse health effects such as elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, pallor, numbness, and tingling.
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Synthetic cannabinoids and incense
Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals that are applied to plant material and marketed as a "legal" high. They are often sold in legal retail outlets as "'herbal" incense or "potpourri" and are labelled "not for human consumption" to avoid regulatory oversight of the manufacturing process.
Synthetic cannabinoids are designed to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. They are often smoked using a pipe, a water pipe, or by rolling the drug-laced plant material in cigarette papers. Liquid cannabinoids can also be vaporized through both disposable and reusable electronic cigarettes.
The use of synthetic cannabinoids is alarmingly high, especially among young people. According to the 2012 Monitoring the Future survey of youth drug-use trends, one in nine 12th graders in America reported using synthetic cannabinoids in the past year. This rate puts synthetic cannabinoids as the second most frequently used illegal drug among high school seniors after marijuana.
There are five major categories of synthetic cannabinoids: classical cannabinoids, non-classical cannabinoids, hybrid cannabinoids, aminoalkylindoles, and eicosanoids. Classical cannabinoids are analogs of THC that are based on a dibenzopyran ring. They were first developed in the 1960s and were originally the only cannabinoids synthesized. One of the best-known synthetic classical cannabinoids is HU-210, which was discovered in herbal incense products in 2009.
Synthetic cannabinoids have been associated with adverse health effects, including severe agitation and anxiety, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia (fast, racing heartbeat), elevated blood pressure, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, dilated pupils, and suicidal and other harmful thoughts and/or actions. Health warnings have been issued by numerous public health authorities and poison control centers due to the health risks posed by these substances.
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Incense as a legal drug
Incense is not inherently a drug, but the term is sometimes used to refer to synthetic legal intoxicants. These synthetic drugs are often sold as "herbal incense" or "potpourri" and are designed to mimic the effects of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. They are commonly abused for their psychoactive properties and can have adverse health effects, including elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations.
While the specific ingredients and effects of these synthetic incense products can vary, they typically fall into the category of synthetic cannabinoids or cathinones. Synthetic cannabinoids are designed to replicate the effects of THC, while synthetic cathinones are chemically similar to amphetamines. These synthetic compounds are often sprayed onto dried plant material or sold as liquids to be inhaled through vaping devices or e-cigarettes.
The popularity of these synthetic legal intoxicants, particularly among young people, has been a cause for concern. According to surveys, one in nine 12th graders in America reported using synthetic cannabinoids in 2012, making them the second most frequently used illegal drug in that demographic. The chemical compositions of these drugs are frequently altered to circumvent government bans, making it challenging to regulate and control their sale and distribution.
Despite the legal status of these synthetic incense products, health authorities have issued warnings about their adverse effects. The constantly changing chemical compositions make it difficult to predict the exact contents and effects of each batch, posing significant health risks to users. Some of the adverse effects reported include severe agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, elevated heart rate, and seizures.
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Frankincense as a mood elevator
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is a resin made from the Boswellia tree, which typically grows in the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Islamic, Chinese, and Indian medicine. Frankincense has a rich, warm, and woody aroma, often with citrusy, fruity, or spicy notes.
Frankincense is believed to have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which may help with arthritis, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Additionally, it has been studied for its potential anti-aging effects and possible applications in cancer treatment. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Frankincense is also known to have mood-elevating properties. It is often used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. The scent of frankincense can affect the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions, helping to calm and uplift the user. This makes it a popular natural solution for those struggling with anxiety or stress.
Frankincense can be used in various ways, including oral supplements, topical applications, and aromatherapy. When used as aromatherapy, a few drops of frankincense essential oil can be added to a diffuser or inhaled directly from a cotton ball or handkerchief. It can also be combined with other essential oils, such as tea tree, juniper, myrrh, or sweet-spiced, to create a unique aroma.
It is important to note that while frankincense is generally considered safe, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement or treatment into your routine.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is a substance that is burned to create a pleasant smell, often used in religious or spiritual rituals. It is typically made from plant-based materials such as resins, woods, and essential oils.
While traditional incense is not considered a drug, there are synthetic forms of incense that are designed to be intoxicating and can contain psychoactive substances. These synthetic incense products are considered drugs and are often sold illegally.
The effects of synthetic incense can vary due to the unpredictable nature of their chemical compositions. However, health authorities have warned of adverse effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations.
Synthetic incense is often abused for its psychoactive properties. It is sometimes seen as a legal alternative to other drugs, especially among young people, but it carries significant health risks.
Due to the dangers associated with synthetic incense, efforts have been made to combat its use and distribution. The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act was signed into law in 2012, and Congress has taken steps to ban many of these substances at the federal level.
