Synthetic marijuana, often misleadingly marketed as a safe alternative to natural cannabis, poses significant health risks to people. This chemically engineered product can lead to severe and unpredictable side effects, ranging from hallucinations and agitation to more critical issues like increased heart rate, seizures, and even life-threatening complications. As the popularity of synthetic marijuana rises, so does the potential for addiction and health concerns.
Woodland Recovery Center recognizes these dangers and offers specialized marijuana addiction treatment programs. Our compassionate and evidence-based approach aims to support people struggling with dependency on synthetic marijuana, guiding them toward recovery and well-being. Call us today at 662.222.2989 to get help finding a suitable treatment program for you or a loved one.
What to Know About Synthetic Marijuana
Synthetic marijuana is designed to appeal to younger audiences by checking several appealing boxes. It’s misleadingly marketed, often packaged in bright colors with catchy names, and sometimes even labeled as “legal.” These factors underscore the importance of discussing the drug’s dangers with your children.
So, what is synthetic marijuana? The short answer is that it is artificially produced in a laboratory and has mostly not been the subject of much scientific research, although there are some studies. One thing that is known, however, is that smoking or consuming synthetic marijuana is extremely dangerous due to how unpredictable it is. The ingredients are sometimes not listed, plus they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any governing organization.
The Truth About Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are not naturally occurring; they must be manufactured. Without regulatory oversight, determining the composition of synthetic marijuana is nearly impossible. The drug gained national attention for two main reasons: its accessibility and its potential to cause severe harm or even death.
The effects of synthetic cannabinoids are not consistent, and they can be more potent than natural marijuana. In fact, many brands labeled as synthetic marijuana contain a blend of different chemicals that have varying levels of potency and unknown side effects. This makes it difficult to predict how the drug will affect a person or what long-term consequences may result from use.
What Exactly Is in Synthetic Marijuana?
The chemicals used in synthetic marijuana are often related to THC, the active substance in natural marijuana. However, these synthetic compounds have a much stronger and more dangerous effect on the brain’s receptors. Additionally, many of these chemicals have not gone through sufficient testing or research to determine their safety for human consumption. Synthetic marijuana is often a mix of different substances, making it difficult to determine the specific source of any adverse reactions or side effects.
The Drastic Effects of Synthetic Marijuana
Synthetic marijuana is much, much more dangerous. It has been shown to produce unpredictable and drastic side effects—even death. The possible side effects of ingesting synthetic marijuana include:
- Agitation and irritability
- Confusion and concentration problems
- Hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, and violent behavior
- Seizures
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Breathing problems
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Heart attack, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and stroke
- Kidney failure
- Muscle damage
The side effects of synthetic marijuana are alarming and can have lasting consequences on a person’s physical and mental health.
Can Someone Be Addicted to Synthetic Marijuana?
The very short answer is yes, someone can be addicted to synthetic marijuana. The daily use of synthetic marijuana carries very significant dangers with it. Not only are the ingredients unknown, but they can vary dramatically from one pack to another.
Although addiction is a distinct possibility when using drugs that affect your brain, there are far worse outcomes. The chemicals inside synthetic marijuana have been known to react in the brain much more strongly than even marijuana with a large amount of THC. Synthetic marijuana can lead to death, even for someone who has only ingested the drug once.
How to Get Help for Synthetic Marijuana Addiction
Woodland Recovery Center is committed to helping individuals struggling with synthetic marijuana addiction. Our treatment programs are designed to address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of drug dependency through evidence-based therapies and compassionate care. We understand that overcoming an addiction can be challenging, but our trained professionals are here to guide you every step of the way. If you or a loved one has a synthetic marijuana addiction, do not hesitate to reach out for help.
Call Woodland Recovery Center for Help with Synthetic Marijuana Addiction
Taking the first step toward recovery might feel daunting, but believe us, it isn’t. Woodland Recovery Center recognizes your inner strength, which can guide you through the recovery journey. Our treatment program is designed to harness that strength. It’s your resilience and determination that assure us that once you reach out and enter treatment for yourself or a loved one, long-term recovery becomes a realistic and achievable goal.
Whether you have a question or are ready to begin treatment as soon as possible, call us at 662.222.2989 or contact us online. We are prepared to help you use your strength to change your life.
