Can it be there is a "new drug", a "legal high", that mimics the effects of smoking marijuana (cannabis)? There is in fact, a new synthetic cannabis being manufactured and marketed as a "legal high", "herbal marijuana". "herbal smoking blend", or as an incense. This drug is known by popular brand names like "K2" and/or "Spice", and "kind", Yucatan fire", "scence", "skunk" or "Pep".
Spice was initially thought to be a healthier and more legal way to get a similar high to smoking marijuana. However, spice has been found to also contain synthetic cannabinoids, and therefore become illegal in many European countries. Even though Spice is technically still legal under federal law in the USA; most States have either already made it illegal to possess/use spice, have bills currently waiting approval against the use of spice, or are at minimum keeping a close eye on the effects spice is having on their State.
Following a few incidences in the military with soldiers using spice the Armed Forces have taken a very strong stand on prohibiting the actual or attempted possession, use, sale, distribution, or manufacture of synthetic cannabis or any derivative, analogue, or variant of spice (or any other mood-altering substance).
Drug testing for spice can be a little tricky. True herbal spice will not show positive for THC, and therefore the use of marijuana drug testing kits are not effective. However, spice does have metabolites that are detectable in human urine. It is too bad there is not some magic drug testing kit that will allow you to gather a simple sample of urine that when checked by some fan-dangled piece of equipment would let you know every foreign substance or drug, your teenager, family member, or employee has been abusing. But, for now at least, you must have a general idea of what you are testing for in order to test for a specific substance.
Spice is one of the most available drugs on the street (or in the stores) today. Many tobacco or smoke shops, head shops, gas station, and online stores legally sell spice to anyone wishing to buy it, however no one under 18 is supposed to be able to purchase it.
Spice is sold in small sealed pouches for about $30 a pouch. It is typically rolled in paper like a marijuana joint then smoked. Many people who have smoked marijuana expect it to be the same, but due to the potency of spice they may experience a very different experience. Smoking spice causes an increased heart rate and elevation in blood pressure. It can also cause anxiety attacks, nausea, and hallucinations. These unexpected reactions have caused an increase in emergency room visits.
Spice is an addictive substance, people using spice may develop a tolerance to the substance, requiring them to use a larger amount each time to obtain the same affects. Unfortunately, because spice is such a new drug there is no way to know what type of long term effects may come with it's use/abuse. There is also no prescription or medical drug treatment available to treat spice addiction. The two best options for people wanting to kick their "spice" habit is behavioral therapy and support groups.
