How Long Does Synthetic Marijuana Stay In Your System?
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Synthetic marijuana is also known as synthetic cannabinoids, fake pot or herbal cannabis. It’s a mixture of chemicals that mimics the effects of THC in natural weed. In other words, it’s a man-made drug that imitates the effects of cannabis on the human body. It is not psychoactive by itself and cannot get you high. Therefore, manufacturers mix it with additives like starch and dimethylpolysiloxane to make it smell and taste like weed. Synthetic marijuana can come in different forms—liquid, capsule, tablet or pipe smoke—but its chemical composition is always the same: synthetic cannabinoids mixed with excipients like chemicals and artificial scents. Cannabis produces these compounds as defense mechanisms against herbivores (animals that eat plants). The plant produces THC as well as other compounds in this group called terpenes. When an animal consumes too much of one type of terpene, the body creates endocannabinoid receptors to balance things out again by increasing production of another cannabinoid from the same group.
How Does Synthetic Marijuana Work?
Synthetic cannabinoids are chemicals that are similar to THC and the other cannabinoids found in marijuana. These man-made chemicals act on the same brain receptors as THC. When the synthetic cannabinoids bind to the receptors, it creates similar effects to those brought on by THC in natural weed: altered mood, relaxation and altered perception. There are more than 100 different types of synthetic cannabinoids. But the most commonly abused one is called spice or K2. Commercialized in the early 2000s, this drug is a mixture of herbs sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids. Some synthetic cannabinoids are much more potent than THC. They can be up to 100 times more potent, meaning 1 gram of spice is enough to get 100 people really high. Therefore, it’s almost impossible to know how much you’re taking in. Moreover, synthetic cannabinoids are often sold as “herbal incense” or “natural herbal smoking blends,” making them nearly impossible to differentiate from natural weed.
What Are The Side Effects Of Synthetic Marijuana?
Some of the short-term side effects of synthetic marijuana include anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, vomiting, nausea and coughing up blood. Many people have symptoms that are a lot more extreme and are treated in the hospital. They might require an IV drip of fluids, breathing assistance, or even a blood transfusion. Long-term side effects of synthetic marijuana aren’t fully known. It’s unclear whether synthetic cannabinoids actually cause cancer. Some studies show that synthetic cannabinoids may be carcinogenic, while others claim they don’t have any effect on cancer. It’s too early to tell whether synthetic cannabinoids can cause cancer. Withdrawal symptoms occur when someone quits taking synthetic cannabinoids. Usually, drug withdrawal happens when the level of the drug in the body is too high. Therefore, it’s not recommended to go “cold turkey” without medical supervision.
Why You Should Stay Away From It
The biggest reason why you should stay away from synthetic marijuana is that you don’t know what’s in it. In fact, it’s often mixed with other dangerous drugs like cocaine, PCP or fentanyl. The ingredients in synthetic marijuana can also change from batch to batch. One batch may have a different chemical composition than the one before it. This is why synthetic marijuana can lead to heart attack or stroke. It’s even been linked to death in some cases. Another reason why you should avoid synthetic marijuana is that it can stay in your system for up to three months. This means it could get you in trouble at work or school, as well as with law enforcement officials.
Is Synthetic Marijuana Addictive?
Yes, synthetic marijuana is addictive. Approximately 9% of people who use the drug will become addicted to it. The risk of addiction increases if you use synthetic marijuana multiple times a day. People who smoke synthetic marijuana are more likely to develop dependence on the drug than people who use it another way. Some people report experiencing cravings for synthetic marijuana even when they’re not high. This is a sign of addiction.
How Long Does Synthetic Stay In Your System?
Synthetic cannabinoids are excreted through the urine and feces. It takes about five days for the drug to get out of the bloodstream. It takes another two weeks for the metabolites to be excreted through the urine. As mentioned above, synthetic cannabinoids stay in your system for up to three months. After three months, they’re gone from your system. However, you’ll probably be tested for synthetic cannabinoids after one month. If you’re using synthetic cannabinoids, you may get caught by a drug test. To avoid being caught, try to quit while you still have enough time to clean your system before the test.
Conclusion
Synthetic marijuana is a dangerous and harmful alternative to natural weed. It’s not worth the risk of developing serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, or even death. You can’t know what’s in it and you may be tested for it during a drug test. If you find yourself craving synthetic marijuana, it might be a sign of addiction. Seek professional help and stay away from this dangerous drug. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please call The Recovery Village. Our compassionate staff is available 24/7 to help you create a plan for recovery. No matter what brought you to this point in your life, we can help you find a way out.