Seamus Hammond
Incense is a substance that is burned to produce a fragrant scent. It is made from aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. The word incense comes from the Latin word incendere, meaning to burn. While incense has been used for centuries for religious and spiritual purposes, recent studies have shown that it may have negative health effects, including an increased risk of respiratory issues and heart disease. The fruit of the incense tree, or Burseraceae, is a drupe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is incense a drug? | Incense is not a drug itself, but synthetic cannabinoids are often sold as "herbal incense" or "potpourri" |
| What are synthetic cannabinoids? | Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals designed to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana |
| What are the effects of synthetic cannabinoids? | The effects include severe agitation and anxiety, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia (fast heart rate), elevated blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations |
| What are the health risks of synthetic cannabinoids? | The health risks are unpredictable and can be harmful or even life-threatening. Health authorities and poison control centers have issued warnings about the adverse health effects of these substances |
| How are synthetic cannabinoids ingested? | Synthetic cannabinoids are usually smoked or inhaled using pipes, water pipes, or electronic cigarettes |
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What You'll Learn
Incense can act as a psychoactive drug
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 has not changed since 2011, making synthetic cannabinoids the second most frequently used illegal drug among high school seniors after marijuana. The chemical compositions of synthetic drugs are frequently altered in an attempt to avoid government bans, and new cannabinoid chemicals with unknown health risks are available each year.
In addition to the health risks, the sale and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids is also a concern. These products are readily available in small retail outlets and online. Law enforcement personnel have encountered the manufacture of synthetic drugs in the US, including in residential neighborhoods. Congress has taken steps to ban many of these substances at the federal level, and the Administration has supported these efforts, including through the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in 2012.
It is important to note that not all incense products are psychoactive drugs. However, the abuse of herbal incense products containing synthetic cannabinoids is a serious issue that requires attention and action from public health officials, law enforcement, and policymakers.
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Synthetic cannabinoids are sold as incense
Incense is not a drug in itself, but synthetic cannabinoids are sold as "herbal incense" or "potpourri" and have been linked to adverse health effects. These synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals that are often sprayed onto plant material and marketed as a "legal" high. They are designed to mimic THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and are sold under common names such as K2, Spice, and synthetic marijuana. 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, highlighting the popularity of these substances among young people.
The use of synthetic cannabinoids can lead to various adverse health effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, chest pain, extreme paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, and violent behavior. In some cases, synthetic cannabinoids have been contaminated with dangerous substances such as brodifacoum, a rat poison that causes severe bleeding. This outbreak led to multiple confirmed cases of serious unexplained bleeding and even deaths, as reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
To address the health risks posed by synthetic cannabinoids, Congress and the Administration have taken steps to ban and regulate these substances. The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, signed into law by President Obama in 2012, is one such example. This legislation placed 26 types of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Additionally, the DEA has used its emergency scheduling authority to control certain synthetic cannabinoids and the substances used to manufacture them.
It is worth noting that natural incense, such as frankincense, has been associated with mood-boosting and anxiety-relieving properties. However, synthetic cannabinoids sold as "incense" are chemically engineered to induce a high, and their effects are often unpredictable and dangerous. The term "synthetic marijuana" is controversial, as these synthetic cannabinoids differ significantly from natural marijuana, and their impacts can be more harmful.
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Herbal incense lacks health and safety info
Incense burning is a popular practice in many cultures and religions, with a history spanning over 2,500 years. While it is often used for spiritual or hygienic purposes, recent inquiries have raised concerns about its potential health risks.
Herbal incense, in particular, has come under scrutiny due to a lack of transparency regarding its health and safety information. Synthetic cannabinoids are sometimes laced onto plant material and sold as herbal incense or potpourri. These products are abused for their psychoactive properties and can have adverse health effects, including elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, and anxiety. Public health and poison centers have issued warnings about the dangers of abusing these synthetic cannabinoids.
The smoke emitted by incense contains particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and sulfur oxides. Incomplete combustion of incense can lead to the release of fine and ultrafine particles, which pose environmental and human health risks. The small size of these particles allows them to be easily inhaled, contributing to oxidative stress and random biochemical reactions in the body.
Research has linked incense smoke exposure to respiratory diseases, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions. Studies have found an association between incense burning and an increased risk of asthma, chronic cough, and other respiratory issues, especially in children. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential carcinogenic effects of incense smoke, with some studies suggesting a correlation between incense use and a higher risk of cancer.
While some studies indicate a correlation between incense use and certain health conditions, it is important to note that these studies primarily use animal subjects, and further research on humans is necessary. The specific mechanisms behind the observed relationships between incense burning and health issues require further investigation.
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Incense can cause adverse health effects
Incense burning is a popular activity worldwide, but it can have adverse health effects. The smoke released during the burning process contains harmful constituents that can be inhaled and is considered comparable to or even more harmful than passive smoking.
A growing body of evidence has reported the negative effects of incense use on human well-being, posing a potential threat to public health. The toxicities of incense smoke come directly from its harmful constituents and deposition capacity in the body. Incense smoke contains various toxic and irritant compounds, including particulate matter, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and are associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly upper respiratory tract carcinomas and lung carcinomas. Studies have also found that burning incense may cause issues with brain health in older adults, including delays in cognitive performance and decreased brain connectivity.
The characterization of incense smoke is highly variable due to differences in incense composition and experimental design. However, incense smoke is known to contain suspended particulates and harmful gases that can have adverse effects on human health. For example, incense smoke has been associated with respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
While the largest study to date, tracking the health of 61,000 people in Singapore, found that incense use is safe in normal amounts, and the risk of cancer is very small, if at all. It is important to note that burning any organic material, including incense, produces PAHs, and the risk comes from exposure to high levels of these chemicals.
In addition to the health risks associated with traditional incense, there are also concerns about synthetic legal intoxicating drugs sold as "incense." These products are often abused for their psychoactive properties and can have severe adverse health effects, including elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, and agitation.
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Frankincense eases anxiety and elevates mood
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is a common type of essential oil used in aromatherapy. It is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree, which typically grows in the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East. The word frankincense comes from the term "franc encens," which means "quality incense" in Old French.
Frankincense has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating various conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, and pain-related disorders. In recent years, scientific studies have provided some support for these traditional uses and also suggested potential benefits for mental health.
Several studies have found that frankincense can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. In one study, mice injected with incensole acetate, a component of the Boswellia resin, experienced reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms. Another study found that compounds in frankincense, incensole, and incensole acetate, activated ion channels in the brain to help alleviate anxiety and depression.
Frankincense has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with conditions like arthritis, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In one study, oral and topical boswellic acid, a compound found in frankincense, reduced cartilage loss and joint lining inflammation in osteoarthritis in mice. Another study found that Boswellia tablets taken daily for six months improved symptoms in people with IBS.
Frankincense is generally considered safe, but it is always important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement, as the optimal dosage may vary depending on the individual and their specific conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense can be a drug, but not all incense products are drugs. Synthetic cannabinoids are commonly sold as "herbal incense" or "potpourri" and are intended to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These synthetic drugs are unsafe and can cause unpredictable, harmful, and even life-threatening health effects.
The health effects of synthetic cannabinoids include severe agitation and anxiety, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia (fast, racing heartbeat), elevated blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. There have also been reports of psychotic episodes, delusions, and violent behaviour.
Yes, synthetic cannabinoids are readily available at small retail outlets and online. They are often sold under various brand names such as K2 and Spice, and marketed as "incense" or "potpourri" to hide their true nature and health risks.
