Seamus Hammond
Legal herbal incense, also known as synthetic marijuana, is a drug that is typically sold as a liquid or shredded plant material with mind-altering chemicals sprayed onto it. It is intended to be smoked, either rolled into papers or inhaled using an e-cigarette or vaporizer. The drug has been linked to severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms, including fast heartbeat, severe vomiting, headaches, and irritability, and even fatal consequences. There is a heightened potential for adverse events due to the full agonist activity of these drugs on cannabinoid receptors, as opposed to the partial agonist activity of cannabis. The term synthetic marijuana is controversial, as these synthetic cannabinoids are quite different from natural marijuana, with more unpredictable and dangerous effects.
Characteristics and Values of Legal Herbal Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Product | Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as herbal incense, synthetic marijuana, or natural herbs |
| Form | Liquid or shredded plant material with chemicals sprayed on it |
| Method of Consumption | Smoked (rolled in papers or inhaled through e-cig/vaporizer), or ingested as tea |
| Effects | Psychoactive, hallucinogenic, and mood-altering |
| Safety | Marketed as "natural" and "safe", but can cause adverse effects like fast heartbeat, severe vomiting, headaches, irritability, dependence, and withdrawal |
| Legality | Often labelled "not for human consumption" to bypass regulations, but can be purchased legally |
| Brands | Spice, K2, Space, Yucatan Fire, Aroma, Krypton, Cloud 9, Mojo, and others |
| Overdose Treatment | Intravenous fluids, calm atmosphere, and sedation |
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What You'll Learn
Synthetic cannabinoids
There are hundreds of different synthetic cannabinoid chemicals manufactured and sold, and new ones with unknown health risks become available each year. Synthetic cannabinoids are not a single drug, and the specific chemical composition of each product can vary. This makes it difficult to know exactly what is in these products and what the potential risks are. Synthetic cannabinoids have been associated with severe health problems and can be life-threatening. Negative effects reported by users include palpitations, paranoia, intense anxiety, nausea, vomiting, confusion, poor coordination, and seizures. There have also been reports of a strong compulsion to re-dose, withdrawal symptoms, and persistent cravings.
The long-term effects of long-term synthetic cannabinoid use are unknown, but they may be addictive. Some synthetic cannabinoid products have also been found to contain synthetic opioids or other psychoactive substances, further increasing the risks associated with their use. In addition, there have been several deaths linked to synthetic cannabinoids, including cases of life-threatening bleeding caused by products contaminated with rat poison. While some synthetic cannabinoids have potential or current medical uses, many are illicitly manufactured and sold.
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Health concerns
Legal herbal incense, also known as synthetic marijuana, is a dangerous drug marketed as a natural and safe alternative to marijuana. It is typically sold as a liquid or shredded plant material with mind-altering chemicals sprayed onto it and is intended to be smoked. While it is legal in many places, there are significant health concerns associated with its use.
Firstly, the chemicals used in herbal incense are often unknown and can cause unpredictable and even fatal effects. The synthetic cannabinoids in these products can have a more profound impact on the brain than natural cannabinoids like THC, activating the same receptors but to a significantly higher degree. This can lead to serious adverse psychiatric effects, including acute psychosis, delirium, violent behaviour, seizures, and cardiovascular emergencies. The variable chemical composition of herbal incense products makes it difficult to determine the specific causes of these effects and their long-term consequences.
Secondly, the lack of regulation and standardisation in the production of herbal incense means that users cannot be certain of the chemicals they are ingesting or their dosages. This lack of transparency has led to several reported cases of life-threatening bleeding caused by herbal incense contaminated with rat poison. The unknown substances and varying combinations of synthetic cannabinoids in herbal incense increase the risk of overdose and unpredictable reactions.
Furthermore, the abuse potential of herbal incense is a significant concern. These products are often abused for their psychogenic, hallucinogenic, and mood-altering effects, which can lead to dangerous behaviour and adverse health outcomes. The low cost and legal status of herbal incense make it more accessible to individuals seeking a cheap high, increasing the risk of abuse and negative consequences, especially among young people.
The health concerns associated with legal herbal incense are severe and potentially life-threatening. While it may be marketed as a safe alternative, the unknown chemicals, lack of regulation, and abuse potential of these products pose significant risks to users. It is important to recognise that just because a substance is legal does not mean it is safe for consumption.
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Legality
The legality of herbal incense is a complex issue due to the variety of chemical compounds involved and their potential for abuse and overdose. Herbal incense, also known as synthetic marijuana, is a drug that contains synthetic cannabinoids sprayed onto plant matter or ingested as a concentrated liquid. While the use of herbal incense has been associated with adverse effects, including severe vomiting, headaches, irritability, and even fatal outcomes, its legality has evolved over time.
In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) played a pivotal role in addressing the legality of herbal incense. Before 2011, there were no specific laws banning the use of herbal incense. However, in 2011, the DEA classified several common synthetic cannabinoids as Schedule 1 drugs, making them illegal for use in the manufacture and sale of herbal drugs. These prohibited substances included JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47,497, and cannabicyclohexanol. This action by the DEA was a recognition of the dangers posed by these substances and an attempt to curb their recreational use.
Despite these efforts, the legality of herbal incense remains challenging due to the constant evolution of synthetic cannabinoids and the difficulty in legislating against them. Manufacturers of these drugs often stay one step ahead by creating new variations that fall outside the scope of existing laws. As a result, law enforcement and regulatory agencies struggle to keep up with the rapidly changing chemical compositions of these drugs.
To address this challenge, some states have taken independent action to combat the dangers of herbal incense. For example, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, and several other states have experienced severe bleeding outbreaks caused by a synthetic cannabinoid contaminated with rat poison (brodifacoum). In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Clinical Action Alert in 2018, advising healthcare providers across the country about the risks associated with synthetic cannabinoid use.
The legality of herbal incense is a dynamic issue that requires ongoing attention from lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory agencies. While efforts have been made to curb its use, the ever-changing nature of synthetic cannabinoids poses a significant challenge to its complete eradication. As research and understanding of the dangers of herbal incense evolve, so too will the legal landscape surrounding this complex and dangerous substance.
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Marketing
Target Audience: The target audience for herbal incense is typically young adults or adults seeking an alternative to traditional cannabis products. It is important to target those who are open to experimenting with new substances and are willing to take on some level of risk.
Positioning and Messaging: When marketing herbal incense, it is crucial to walk a fine line between highlighting its benefits and being transparent about its potential risks. Position the product as a legal and readily available alternative to cannabis, emphasizing the convenience of access. However, it is essential to avoid making explicit health or safety claims that could be misleading. Instead, focus on the unique features of the product, such as its potency, variety of blends, and ease of use.
Online Marketing: The internet is a powerful tool for reaching your target audience. Utilize search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to ensure your product appears in relevant searches. Build an engaging website that provides detailed information about the product, including its ingredients, effects, and potential risks. Use social media platforms to connect with potential customers, share testimonials, and create a community around your brand. Consider influencer marketing to reach a wider audience and build trust.
Packaging and Labelling: Design eye-catching and informative packaging that complies with legal requirements. Include disclaimers such as "not for human consumption" or "for aromatic use only" to mitigate liability. Use creative brand names and labels that suggest a natural, harmless, and recreational experience, such as "herbal blends" or "aromatic incense." Ensure your packaging stands out on retail shelves and online stores to attract potential customers.
Retail Strategies: Partner with specialty shops, head shops, and dispensaries to stock your herbal incense products. Offer incentives for retailers to promote your product, such as discounts, promotional materials, and staff training. Consider hosting events or product demonstrations to engage customers and build brand awareness.
It is important to remember that marketing herbal incense requires a responsible approach. Be transparent about the ingredients, potential side effects, and risks associated with the product. Stay updated with legal regulations and restrictions to ensure your marketing strategies comply with the law.
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Treatment
The largest group of users is men in their 20s who participate in polydrug use. The most common reported toxicities with SCB use are tachycardia, agitation and irritability, drowsiness, hallucinations, delusions, hypertension, nausea, confusion, dizziness, vertigo, and chest pain. Acute kidney injury has also been strongly associated with SCB use. Treatment mostly involves symptom management and supportive care.
There is only preliminary information about the extent of the damage synthetic cannabinoids may do to the brain, as they were initially created for use with animals and cells, not humans. They are used in incense in combinations of up to 10 at a time, but there is no information on what chemicals are used or in what dosages. There have been reported cases of life-threatening bleeding caused by herbal incense containing rat poison.
In 2018, there was an outbreak of synthetic cannabinoids contaminated with anticoagulants, mainly brodifacoum, in at least 11 states in the US that caused coagulopathy (prolonged or excessive bleeding) and resulted in the treatment of over 300 people and at least eight deaths.
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Frequently asked questions
Legal herbal incense, also known as synthetic marijuana, is a mixture of plant matter and manufactured, mind-altering chemicals. These chemicals are often unknown and can cause unpredictable and even fatal effects.
The chemicals in herbal incense bind to cannabinoid receptors, producing a marijuana-like "high". The effects of herbal incense include hallucinations, an altered mood, a fast heartbeat, severe vomiting, headaches, and irritability.
Yes, herbal incense is dangerous and has been linked to many hospital admissions and even deaths. Between 2011 and 2014, approximately 20 deaths were attributable to the use of synthetic marijuana. In 2018, over 100 people were treated at hospitals in Washington, DC, for overdoses of synthetic marijuana.
