Synthetic drugs, also referred to as designer or club drugs, are chemically-created in a lab to mimic another drug such as marijuana, cocaine or morphine.
Just Think Twice - Synthetic Drugs
Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids refer to man-made, mind-altering chemicals. They are sprayed on dried plant material so they can be smoked. Or, sold as liquids to inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices.
National Institute on Drug Abuse - Synthetic Cannabinoids
- Called K2, Spice, and many other names, and are labeled as "not for human consumption"Ā
- A mixture of herbs, spices, or shredded plant material that is typically sprayed with a synthetic compound
- Can be smoked in pipes or joints, or made into tea
- Short term effects include: increased agitation, pale skin, seizures, vomiting, profuse sweating, uncontrolled body movements, elevated blood pressure, dysphasia, severe paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations
- Sold at tobacco shops, convenience stores, gas stations, head shops, truck stops, and via the Internet
Cathinones
Synthetic cathinones, also known as "bath salts," are synthetic drugs chemically related to a stimulant found in the khat plant.Ā
āNational Institute on Drug Abuse - Synthetic Cathinones
- NOT real bath salts! They are referred to as novelty items, and are labeled ānot for human consumptionā
- Also marketed as bath crystals, plant food, and herbal incense
- Described as a white, tan or brown odorless, powdery substance
- Contain derivatives of the chemical cathinone. Cathinone is a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance. āBath saltsā may also contain large amounts of caffeine.
- Both MDPV and mephedrone are central nervous stimulants
- Effects are similar to cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA. Sometimes called āfakeā cocaine or āfakeā meth
- Can be snorted, injected, or eaten
- Physical Effects: racing heart beat, extreme elevations of blood pressure, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, strange eye movements
- Psychological Effects: extreme agitation or anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, change in personality, depression, aggression or disturbed behavior, delusions, hostility, violence, suicidal thoughts
- Sold at tobacco shops, convenience stores, gas stations, head shops, truck stops, and via the Internet
Club Drugs
Club drugs tend to used by teenagers and young adults at bars, nightclubs, concerts, and parties. Club drugs include GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine, MDMA (Ecstasy), Methamphetamine, and LSD (Acid).Ā
National Institute on Drug Abuse - MDMA (Molly/Ecstasy)
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