Seamus Hammond
Herbal incense blends are a combination of synthetic cannabinoids and herbal ingredients. They are often referred to as designer drugs and are sold under brand names such as Spice, K2, Cloud 9, and Mojo. These blends are designed to produce effects similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and marijuana, by stimulating cannabinoid receptors in the body. The synthetic cannabinoids in herbal blends were first detected in 2008 and have since become widely available for purchase online and in specialty shops. While these blends were initially created as a legal alternative to marijuana, health concerns have arisen due to their unpredictable toxicity and potential for abuse, with reports of kidney failure and seizures highlighting their dangers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Spice, K2, Cloud 9, Mojo |
| Ingredients | Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), cannabimimetic indoles, THC |
| Health concerns | Kidney failure, seizures, higher rates of toxicity and hospital admissions than natural cannabis |
| Preparation | Choose 3 plant materials: herbs, resin, and wood. Burn using bamboo charcoal tablet |
| Scents | Sandalwood, cinnamon, pine, vanilla, cedarwood, black pepper, cardamom, champaca, makko, citronella, geranium, lemongrass, patchouli |
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What You'll Learn
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs)
THC and SCBs stimulate the same receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). However, studies have shown that SCBs are associated with higher rates of toxicity and hospital admissions than natural cannabis. This increased toxicity is likely due to SCBs being direct agonists of the cannabinoid receptors, while THC is only a partial agonist. Additionally, the different chemical structures of SCBs found in products like Spice or K2 may interact in unpredictable ways, and commercial products may contain unknown contaminants.
The use of SCBs has significantly increased worldwide, and they are often smoked, insufflated, or ingested to achieve psychoactive effects. The largest group of users is men in their 20s who participate in polydrug use. Reported toxicities associated with SCB use include tachycardia, agitation, irritability, drowsiness, hallucinations, delusions, hypertension, nausea, confusion, dizziness, vertigo, and chest pain. Acute kidney injury has also been strongly linked to SCB use.
SCBs have also been linked to adverse drug-drug interactions with other drugs of abuse and common therapeutic agents. The enhanced toxicity of SCBs compared to marijuana may be due to the combined actions of different SCBs and their active metabolites, which exhibit a high affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors.
The emergence of SCBs as recreational drugs highlights the need for ongoing research to understand their health risks and interactions fully.
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Health concerns and toxicity
Herbal incense blends, also known as "Spice," "K2," "Cloud 9," and "Mojo," among other brand names, have become a significant public health concern due to their increasing use and unpredictable toxicity. These blends contain synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) that bind to cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, resulting in higher rates of toxicity and hospital admissions compared to natural cannabis. The direct agonist action of SCBs on these receptors contributes to their higher toxicity. Furthermore, the varying chemical structures of SCBs may lead to unpredictable interactions, and commercial products may contain unknown contaminants, adding to the uncertainty of their health effects.
The smoke released from burning incense can contain particulate matter that is easily inhaled and may have adverse health consequences. Studies have linked incense use to an increased risk of upper respiratory tract and lung carcinomas, as the smoke contains toxic and irritant compounds, including carcinogens and respiratory irritants. Incense smoke has also been associated with the development of respiratory allergies and childhood asthma. Additionally, research suggests that incense smoke can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which is caused by the processing of particulate matter and the resulting oxidative stress.
The use of herbal incense blends has been associated with various toxicities, as reported in studies using Texas Poison Control records. The most common toxicities observed include tachycardia, agitation, irritability, drowsiness, hallucinations, delusions, hypertension, nausea, confusion, dizziness, vertigo, and chest pain. Acute kidney injury has also been strongly linked to SCB use in these blends. The varying chemical structures of SCBs and the presence of unknown contaminants contribute to the unpredictable nature of their toxicity.
Beyond the respiratory and kidney-related issues, the burning of incense has been associated with potential brain health issues in older adults over 65. A 2020 study found that incense burning may contribute to long-term air pollution, leading to reduced brain and prefrontal cortex volumes, resulting in cognitive delays and decreased brain connectivity. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these observations.
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Herbal blend production
The production of herbal blends, also known as "Spice," involves the use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) that mimic the effects of cannabis. These blends are designed to produce a marijuana-like "high" by acting on the endocannabinoid signalling system (ECS). The active compounds in these blends are typically full agonists of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
The process of creating herbal blends often involves the clandestine use of cannabimimetic indoles, which are non-plant research chemicals. These blends may be hand-rolled or extruded and cut into sticks or cones. One key ingredient in some blends is the powdered bark of the makko tree (Machillus thunbergii), which is naturally combustible and eliminates the need for charcoal or saltpeter.
To produce herbal blends, one must choose a combination of plant materials, typically including herbs, resins, and woods. Small batches are recommended, using teaspoons or tablespoons of each ingredient, which are then mixed together. The blend can then be burned using a variety of methods, such as placing it on a bamboo charcoal tablet or using a holder for the incense sticks.
It is important to note that the production and use of herbal blends are controversial due to health concerns. Synthetic cannabinoids have been associated with unpredictable toxicity, kidney failure, seizures, and higher rates of hospital admissions compared to natural cannabis. The specific compounds and amounts used in these blends are often not disclosed, creating potential risks for users. As a result, regulatory efforts are being made to address the dangers of these "designer drugs."
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Psychoactive effects
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs), also known as "herbal incense," among other brand names, are becoming a significant public health concern due to their increasing use and unpredictable toxicity and abuse potential. These synthetic compounds produce effects similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and marijuana, activating the same cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. However, studies indicate higher toxicity and hospital admissions associated with SCBs compared to natural cannabis.
The psychoactive effects of herbal incense blends can be attributed to the presence of synthetic cannabinoids, which act on the endocannabinoid signaling system (ECS). These blends, often marketed as "Spice" or "K2," are designed to elicit a marijuana-like "high." The specific compounds and their amounts are not always disclosed, posing risks to users as the exact contents of these blends are rarely known.
The subjective high experienced by users can be understood through drug discrimination techniques, which help determine the behavioral effects of these compounds. By studying the impact on cannabinoid receptors, we can gain insights into the psychopharmacology of these synthetic cannabinoids and their acute and chronic effects. This understanding is crucial for developing treatments for any adverse effects.
The varying chemical structures of SCBs found in herbal incense blends can lead to unpredictable interactions, further complicating the psychoactive effects. The direct agonist nature of SCBs on cannabinoid receptors contributes to their higher toxicity compared to THC, which is only a partial agonist. The specific chemical structures of SCBs might also lead to unknown interactions, making the potential risks even more challenging to predict and manage.
Additionally, the clandestine production of herbal blends and the marketing of these products as legal highs or not for human consumption further complicates the understanding of their psychoactive effects. The lack of transparency in ingredient listing and the presence of unknown contaminants introduce additional variables that can influence the psychological experience of users.
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Legal status
The legal status of herbal incense blends is complex and varies across different jurisdictions. These substances, often labelled as "not for human consumption", have been marketed as a "legal" alternative to cannabis products and are widely available for purchase in "head shops" and over the internet. However, due to their potential health risks and abuse potential, they have become a growing public health concern.
In the United States, the legal status of herbal incense blends varies from state to state. For example, in the city of Murray, Kentucky, herbal incense products are prohibited due to their potential threat to public health and safety. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has also taken steps to prohibit the sale and possession of these products. On the other hand, in Hollywood, Florida, the sale or display of herbal incense is prohibited, and any person found in violation of this ordinance may be charged and punished accordingly.
The specific regulations and enforcement measures regarding herbal incense blends can differ across municipalities, and it is important to refer to the official ordinances or contact the relevant authorities for the most current and accurate information.
In other parts of the world, the legal status of herbal incense blends is similarly varied. For instance, synthetic cannabinoids sold under the brand name Spice were first released in London, and their popularity grew between 2006 and 2007. By 2009, Spice products were identified in 21 out of 30 participating countries in the EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction).
The variable legal status of these substances, along with their numerous brand names and deceptive labelling, can make it challenging for consumers and even medical professionals to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential dangers. This has led to an increasing number of patients being treated for toxicity and adverse effects related to herbal incense products in emergency settings.
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Frequently asked questions
Herbal incense is a blend of plant materials, including herbs, resins, and woods, that is burned to produce a fragrance.
Herbal incense has been used in traditional healing practices, such as curanderismo, to connect with the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. It is believed to have healing properties for the body, mind, and spirit.
To make herbal incense blends, choose three plant materials: one herb, one resin, and one wood. Mix them in small batches, using a teaspoon or tablespoon of each. Place the mixture in an incense-burning vessel with a bamboo charcoal tablet on top. Light the tablet and wait for sparks before placing a pinch of the mixture on top.
Popular herbal incense blends include "Spice" and "K2," which are synthetic cannabinoids that produce a marijuana-like "high." These blends are often sold as "legal highs" but have raised health concerns due to their unpredictable toxicity and potential for abuse.
Herbal incense blends are widely available for purchase in head shops and online. However, it is important to note that some blends may contain synthetic compounds that are not listed on the packaging, posing potential health risks.
