Seamus Hammond
Herbal incense, also known as Spice or K2, is a blend of synthetic cannabinoids designed to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These products are often marketed as herbal incense or potpourri and have been widely available for purchase online and in head shops. While some ingredients may be listed on the package, the exact contents of these blends are rarely known, and they can have adverse health effects such as elevated heart rate, seizures, and hallucinations. Natural incense, on the other hand, can be made from dried herbs, seeds, and resins found in nature, such as juniper, rose petals, and fir resin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Synthetic cannabinoids | Spice, K2, RedX Dawn, Paradise, Demon, Black Magic, Spike, Mr. Nice Guy, Ninja, Zohai, Dream, Genie, Sence, Smoke, Skunk, Serenity, Yucatan, Fire, Skooby Snax, Crazy Clown |
| Natural incense ingredients | Juniper, hawthorn berries, pine and fir cones, fir and pine needles, yarrow leaves, rose petals, oregano, thyme, cedar leaves, desert sage, calendula flowers, mugwort, moss, lichen, lavender flowers, lomatium seeds, lovage seeds, nutmeg, cloves, fir and pine resins, cherry sap, cottonwood leaf buds, rosemary, ceanothus red root leaves, garden sage leaves, hops flowers, camphor |
| Health effects | Tachycardia (elevated heart rate), elevated blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, pallor, numbness, and tingling |
| Chemical structure of THC | Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) or Δ1-THC, Δ8-THC |
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What You'll Learn
- Synthetic cannabinoids, e.g. Spice, K2, Cloud 9, Mojo
- Natural incense from plants, e.g. juniper, rose petals, oregano, thyme
- Psychoactive properties of herbal incense
- Health risks of herbal incense, e.g. seizures, vomiting, hallucinations
- History of herbal incense, e.g. ancient use of cannabis, emergence of designer cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids, e.g. Spice, K2, Cloud 9, Mojo
Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as synthetic cannabinoid compounds, are human-made mind-altering chemicals that are either sprayed on dried plant material or sold as liquids to be inhaled in products like e-cigarettes or other vaping devices. They are designed to affect the same brain cell receptors as THC, the mind-altering ingredient in marijuana.
Synthetic cannabinoids are sold under brand names such as "Spice," "K2," "Cloud 9," "Mojo," "Genie," and "Fake Weed," and are often labelled and sold as "herbal incense," "potpourri," or "aromatherapy." They are becoming a large public health concern due to their increasing use, accessibility, and unpredictable toxicity and abuse potential. They are relatively low priced, widely available, and are extremely tempting for young people who may want to try marijuana or other drugs but are afraid of legal or social consequences. In addition, they often go undetected in standard drug tests.
Synthetic cannabinoids are unsafe, and the health effects from using them can be unpredictable, harmful, and even life-threatening. They have been linked to severe bleeding, kidney failure, seizures, and even death. The different chemical structures of SCBs may interact in unpredictable ways, and commercial products may contain unknown contaminants.
Spice was originally created as a "legal" alternative to marijuana that would not show up on drug tests. However, the original compounds found in Spice products were made illegal, and analytical tests are being developed to detect additional synthetic cannabinoids in forthcoming herbal blends.
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Natural incense from plants, e.g. juniper, rose petals, oregano, thyme
Natural incense made from plants such as juniper, rose petals, oregano, and thyme offers an empowering way to enjoy the gifts of plants and create meaningful, local blends. Here is some information on how to make natural incense from these plants:
Juniper
For incense, you can use the wood, berries, and dried tips of the juniper shrub. In Himalayan cultures, juniper is used for cleansing during spiritual rituals, while Native Americans used it to greet guests and in peyote ceremonies. It is also known for its medicinal attributes, such as antiseptic and diuretic properties, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation.
Rose Petals
The fragrance of rose petals has long been a source of inspiration. For incense, carefully crush the petals after removing the rose hip, or use rose oil in your incense recipe. Rose also has medicinal attributes, such as treating colds, bacterial infections, and sore throats.
Oregano
Oregano is available as essential oil or in the form of incense sticks. It is known for its deep and mysterious aroma, reminiscent of wood resins and honey. Oregano oil is also used for its medicinal properties, such as treating colds and upset stomachs.
Thyme
Thyme is an aromatic, woody shrub with fragrant foliage and colorful flowers. For incense, use the dried leaves and flowering tops. Thyme has a deep, herbaceous, and warming aroma with rich, spicy undertones. It is also used in cosmetic and culinary applications and has various medicinal attributes, such as improving digestion and treating skin and scalp complaints.
Remember, when making herbal incense, it is important to ensure the plants are safe for use and harvested sustainably. Experiment with different blends to create unique and meaningful combinations.
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Psychoactive properties of herbal incense
The clandestine production of herbal incense involves the use of cannabimimetic indoles and other research chemicals that affect the endocannabinoid signaling system (ECS), resulting in a marijuana-like "high." These compounds are often laced with synthetic cannabinoids, and their specific contents are rarely disclosed, posing significant health risks to users. The emergence of "designer cannabimimetics" in herbal incense products has further contributed to the concerns surrounding their psychoactive properties.
While the original compounds found in "Spice" products have been banned and made illegal, the continuous evolution of synthetic cannabinoids and their availability on the web as "legal highs" pose challenges in regulation. The unpredictable interactions of different chemical structures in SCBs and the potential presence of unknown contaminants add to the complexity of understanding their psychoactive effects.
Furthermore, the abuse of herbal incense for its psychoactive properties can have serious consequences, as illustrated by the presence of the synthetic opioid U-47700 in "Spice-like" herbal incense. Users may unknowingly consume potent synthetic opioids, leading to an increased risk of adverse health effects and even fatalities associated with synthetic opioid abuse.
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Health risks of herbal incense, e.g. seizures, vomiting, hallucinations
Herbal incense, also known as synthetic cannabinoids, is a generic term for a class of mind-altering chemicals. These are usually sprayed or mixed with plant material and then smoked. Marketed as a "legal high", herbal incense is often sold under the guise of "herbal incense" or "potpourri".
The use of herbal incense has been linked to a range of health risks, including seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, paranoia, violent behaviour, and suicidal thoughts. The supply of blood to the heart may also be reduced, and there is a risk of kidney damage. The CDC issued a warning in 2018 after at least eight deaths were recorded in the US. The warning stated that synthetic cannabinoids contain brodifacoum, a chemical found in rat poison that can cause uncontrollable bleeding.
Synthetic cannabinoids have a higher rate of toxicity and hospital admissions than natural cannabis. This is likely due to synthetic cannabinoids being direct agonists of the cannabinoid receptors, while THC is only a partial agonist. The different chemical structures found in synthetic cannabinoids may also interact in unpredictable ways, leading to unknown health consequences.
In addition to the immediate health risks, the long-term effects of herbal incense are also a cause for concern. Studies have found a correlation between incense use and an increased risk of cancer, asthma, and heart disease. The smoke released from burning incense contains particulate matter that is easily inhaled and can have negative health outcomes. It is recommended that users reduce their exposure to incense smoke by opening windows during and after use or by exploring alternative methods of scenting indoor spaces.
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History of herbal incense, e.g. ancient use of cannabis, emergence of designer cannabinoids
The use of herbal incense dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, and India. The Babylonians also used incense when offering prayers to divine oracles, and the practice spread to other cultures. Incense burners have been discovered in the Indus Civilization, and the oldest textual source on incense is the Vedas, specifically the Atharvaveda and the Rigveda.
In ancient times, incense served both pragmatic and mystical purposes. It was burnt to mask unpleasant odours, but it was also believed to ward off evil spirits and please the gods. Resin balls, one of the earliest forms of incense, have been discovered in prehistoric Egyptian tombs in El Mahasna, and the Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BCE) mentions medical cannabis. Other ancient Egyptian papyri that reference the medicinal use of cannabis include the Ramesseum III Papyrus (1700 BCE), the Berlin Papyrus (1300 BCE), and the Chester Beatty Medical Papyrus VI (1300 BCE).
Cannabis, or "má" in Chinese, was used in Taiwan for fibre around 10,000 years ago. The ancient Chinese also recognised its medicinal properties, as evidenced by its inclusion in the Shennong Bencaojing (c. 100 AD), the oldest Chinese pharmacopeia. Cannabis was a significant component of religious and medicinal practices in ancient India, with surviving texts confirming that its psychoactive properties were recognised and utilised by doctors to treat various ailments.
In more recent times, the emergence of designer drugs, particularly synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, has gained prominence. These substances, often referred to as "herbal incense" or "synthetic marijuana," are designed to mimic the effects of cannabis and are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young adults. While some companies claim to offer "100% legal" herbal incense blends, the popularity of these substances has led to regulatory responses, such as the U.S. DEA's move to emergency control synthetic marijuana in 2013.
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Frequently asked questions
Herbal incense, also known as "Spice" or K2, is a synthetic cannabinoid that can produce a marijuana-like "high". It has been linked to adverse health effects such as elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, pallor, numbness, and tingling.
Herbal incense blends can be made from a variety of natural ingredients, including dried herbs, seeds, berries, resins, and essential oils. However, some herbal incense products may be laced with synthetic cannabinoids, such as Spice or K2, which can have unpredictable health effects.
Herbal incense products are widely available for purchase in head shops and online. It is important to note that the sale and use of herbal incense may be regulated or prohibited in certain jurisdictions due to the potential health risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids.
