The Dangers of K2, Illegal Or Not

Named after K2 the mountain, which is the second highest summit in the world, their is a danger to society K2-synthetic marijuana. This herbal incense is now being catorized an illegal substance in 8 states. Illegal or not, K2 is extremely dangerous. The ingredients listed on the package are herbs, what is not listed is the synthetic compounds JWH-018 and JWH-073 wherein lies the danger.


JWH-018 and JWH-073 compounds give K2 its mind altering affects and are the synthetic cannabinoids which mimics the effects of marijuana. Users of marijuana like the high that K2 gives without the danger of prosecution from drug use. Although using K2 is dangerous, many marijuana users who have to deal with probation or parole will take the chance in using K2 because it does not show positive for drug use in urine testing.

Jeremy Morris, a senior forensic scientist in Johnson County, Kansas, states that the JWH compounds “multiply the negative effects of marijuana 3 to 5 times”. The symptoms include racing heart, high blood pressure and anxiety. K2 is not a drug to fool with. Some users state that they feel as if their heart is about to explode after smoking K2, while others who smoke K2 may not have any side effects from its use. This also proposes a danger in that people will take the chance because they want feel that high. This is what addiction is, the constant running after a high that can not be obtained yet is still being chased.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is looking into adding K2, also known as “Spice” or “Spice Gold”, to the schedule of controlled substances. However, it is difficult to do so without exact knowledge of the dangers the drug exhibits. In 2008, scientific studies in Germany found JWH compounds unsafe and the country quickly moved to make K2 illegal. This evidence gives the DEA a good basis for putting the compounds on the schedule of controlled substances list on an emergency basis.

Emergency rooms in several states are seeing the effects of K2 with many users being having to be admitted with the symptoms of K2 use. Poision control centers throughout the country are also seeing a huge increase in calls from parents who are concerned with the K2 side effects after finding their children having seizure like symptoms after smoking K2.

This is not a fad and is not going away. Parents and teachers should make themselves aware of K2 and its dangers. Because of its low cost and availability, and the negative testing in urine, K2’s popularity is rising and and only getting bigger.

If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, our referral specialists will help guide you to effective drug addiction treatment. Call 1.800.863.9166 or visit the Get Help page link. We will provide a confidential assessment and referral to a drug rehab that is best suited to meet your needs.

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