Heidi Norton
Incense is a synthetic legal intoxicating drug (SLID) commonly sold over the counter as incense or herbal incense. These drugs are often marketed as safe, legal alternatives to marijuana, but they can have powerful adverse effects, including acute psychosis with delusions, hallucinations, and potentially dangerous, bizarre behaviour. SLIDs are becoming a large public health concern due to their increasing use and unpredictable toxicity and abuse potential. They are also sold under misleading names and deceptive labels to avoid regulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of drug | Synthetic legal intoxicating drug (SLID) |
| Other names | "Bath salts", "Spice", "K2", "Cloud 9", "Mojo" |
| Use | Smoked as an alternative to marijuana |
| Effects | Can produce a powerful high, acute psychosis with delusions, hallucinations, and potentially dangerous, bizarre behavior |
| Adverse effects | Acute psychosis with delusions, hallucinations, and potentially dangerous, bizarre behavior |
| Detection | Not detected on standard urine drug screens |
| Availability | Sold over the counter and online |
| Legality | Several have been banned |
| Cost | Relatively cheap |
| Target audience | Youths at rave parties |
| Ingredients | Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. JWH-018, JWH-073, CP-47,497, HU-210, JWH-250, JWH-398) |
| Natural alternative | Frankincense, an ingredient that eases anxiety and elevates mood |
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What You'll Learn
Synthetic legal intoxicating drugs (SLIDs)
SLIDs are often sold under misleading names and deceptive labels to avoid regulation. For example, incense products often contain synthetic cannabinoids, which are not derived from the hemp plant but are synthesised in laboratories. They are designed to interact with the endogenous cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The specific brand name "Spice" was originally trademarked in England as incense and as an herbal smoking product. However, legal authorities suspected these herbal blends were adulterated with synthetic substances. In December 2008, Austrian authorities identified a synthetic cannabinoid, JWH-018, in an herbal incense product. By the end of 2009, five other synthetic cannabinoids had been discovered in herbal incense samples worldwide.
There is very limited scientific data on the effects of these synthetic cannabinoids in humans, and no research has been conducted on their pyrolytic effects, i.e. how these chemicals transform when burned and smoked. The lack of research on the short-term and long-term effects of SLIDs is concerning, especially given their increasing use. The chemicals in each batch of synthetic cannabinoids can vary, even if the branding and colours on the packet are the same. Two different packets from the same batch can affect individuals differently.
SLIDs can have powerful adverse effects, including acute psychosis with delusions, hallucinations, and potentially dangerous, bizarre behaviour. Physicians need to be aware of SLIDs to recognise and manage intoxication syndromes associated with these substances and educate patients about their dangers.
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Synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs)
SCBs first appeared in Europe in 2004 and were initially believed to be safe and legal alternatives to marijuana. However, they are now recognised as dangerous synthetic drugs with the potential for abuse and adverse medical and psychiatric effects. The use of these products is widespread, and their popularity has risen tremendously in recent years. A survey of youths at a rave party indicated that 21% had used SLIDs on at least one occasion.
SCBs are designed to stimulate cannabinoid receptors in the brain, specifically cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). While both THC and SCBs interact with these receptors, studies have shown that SCBs are associated with higher rates of toxicity and hospital admissions than natural cannabis. This is likely due to SCBs being direct agonists of the cannabinoid receptors, whereas THC is only a partial agonist.
The specific chemical structures of SCBs found in different products like Spice or K2 may also interact in unpredictable ways, leading to unknown side effects. Furthermore, the commercial products may contain unknown contaminants, adding to their toxicity. The lack of regulation and variable concentrations of these compounds in incense products further heighten the potential for adverse events.
The long-term effects of SCBs are largely unknown, as scientific research in this area is very limited. Most synthetic cannabinoids were initially developed for research purposes, and there are almost no reliable data on their effects on humans. The lack of research on their pyrolytic effects, or how these chemicals transform when burned and inhaled, is also concerning.
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Spice and other herbal blends
"Spice" is a brand name for synthetic cannabinoids initially trademarked in England as incense and herbal smoking products. Spice was originally marketed as a safe and legal alternative to marijuana, but legal authorities suspected that these products were adulterated with synthetic substances. The first such substance, the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018, was discovered by Austrian authorities in 2008. By the end of 2009, five other synthetic cannabinoids had been identified in herbal incense products worldwide.
Synthetic cannabinoids in herbal blends were first detected near the end of 2008. They are known by various brand names, including "Spice," "K2," "herbal incense," "Cloud 9," and "Mojo." These products are often sold under misleading names and deceptive labels to avoid regulation. They are of significant concern due to their increasing use, unpredictable toxicity, and abuse potential.
Spice and other synthetic cannabinoids are full agonists of the cannabinoid receptor 1, producing effects similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and marijuana. They are not derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) but are synthesized in laboratories. The different chemical structures in these compounds may interact in unpredictable ways, and commercial products may contain unknown contaminants.
The use of synthetic cannabinoids has risen dramatically in recent years, with surveys indicating their popularity among youth at rave parties. These drugs are relatively inexpensive and can produce a powerful high. However, they can also have adverse effects, including acute psychosis with delusions, hallucinations, and potentially dangerous, bizarre behaviour. There is limited scientific research on the long-term effects of these drugs in humans, and their pyrolytic effects when burned are also unknown.
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The dangers of SLIDs
SLIDs, or Synthetic Legal Intoxicating Drugs, are commonly contained in products sold over the counter as "incense" and "bath salts". These drugs have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people, with a survey indicating that 21% of youths at a rave party had used them at least once. SLIDs are often sold under misleading names and deceptive labels, such as "not for human consumption", to avoid regulation and suggest they are harmless recreational substances. However, they can have serious adverse effects, including acute psychosis with delusions, hallucinations, and potentially dangerous, bizarre behaviour.
The synthetic cannabinoids found in herbal incense products were initially developed for research purposes, and there is limited scientific data on their effects on humans. The lack of research on the pyrolytic effects of these chemicals, or how they are transformed when burned and smoked, is particularly concerning. Furthermore, the active substances and concentrations in these products often vary, so consumers do not know exactly what they are ingesting.
The potential for adverse medical and psychiatric events from synthetic cannabinoids may be heightened due to their full-agonist mechanism of action and the variable concentration and unregulated potency of these compounds in incense products. A 2021 study also confirmed that some particulate matter in incense smoke is carcinogenic and could lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Other health risks associated with incense burning include increased risk of heart disease and issues with brain health in older adults.
Due to the potential dangers of SLIDs, physicians need to be aware of these substances to recognise and manage intoxication syndromes and educate patients about their adverse effects.
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Frankincense as a psychoactive drug
Incense is a term used to refer to synthetic legal intoxicating drugs (SLIDs) sold over the counter as "incense" products. These products are often marketed as "herbal smoking blends" or "natural" alternatives to marijuana, but they contain synthetic cannabinoids that are not derived from the hemp plant. While the specific compounds found in incense products vary, some of the most common synthetic cannabinoids identified include JWH-018, JWH-073, CP-47,497, HU-210, JWH-250, and JWH-398.
Frankincense, on the other hand, is a natural resin derived from the Boswellia plant. It has been used in cultural and religious ceremonies for centuries, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern countries. Frankincense has a long history of traditional medicinal use, with purported benefits such as treating depression, inflammation, and cancer.
Recent studies have suggested that burning frankincense may indeed have psychoactive properties. Specifically, incensole acetate, a component of frankincense, has been found to activate TRPV3 channels in the brain, leading to anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. In mouse studies, incensole acetate reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, with mice exhibiting less fear of open spaces compared to those given a placebo.
While the effects of frankincense are mild compared to prescription drugs like Valium, the discovery of its psychoactive properties has sparked interest in its potential therapeutic benefits. Researchers suggest that incensole acetate may lead to new treatments for anxiety and depression if more potent forms can be synthesized and successfully tested in human trials.
In summary, while synthetic incense products sold as SLIDs can have dangerous and unpredictable effects due to their synthetic composition, natural frankincense has been shown to possess mild psychoactive properties that may contribute to its traditional medicinal uses. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic benefits of frankincense as a psychoactive drug.
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Frequently asked questions
The "incense drug" refers to synthetic legal intoxicating drugs (SLIDs) that are sold as "incense" and "bath salts". These are designed to be smoked as an alternative to marijuana.
The incense drug can have powerful adverse effects, including acute psychosis with delusions, hallucinations, and potentially dangerous, bizarre behaviour.
The "incense drug" contains synthetic cannabinoids, which are not derived from the hemp plant but are synthesised in laboratories.
The use of the "incense drug" has risen tremendously in popularity in the past few years. A survey of youths at a rave party indicated that 21% had used SLIDs on at least one occasion.
Frankincense is not a drug, but it does contain an ingredient that can ease anxiety and elevate mood.
