Cannabis
{Weed, marijuana, kush, pot, hash, skunk}
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Common substitutes and adulterants
Sometimes the drugs we think we are buying turn out to be something very different. Knowing of the common substitutes and adulterants that dealers swap or add in is an easy way to stay safe.
Spice (a.k.a Kronic, Blue Lotus, K2)
A group of synthetic cannabinoids (THC analog molecules) sold as substitutes for cannabis. Spice is often sold as an oil which is sprayed onto plant material (which may resemble herbal cannabis) or tobacco. The effects are much stronger with more frequent side-effects. Strength varies a lot, making overdoses very common. A spice overdose is very serious, and an ambulance should be called immediately. Symptoms include: high temperature (more than 38°C), seizures, breathing difficulties, rapid heart rate and loss of consciousness. Spice overdoses have been known to cause serotonin syndrome, which has similar symptoms but can also include unusual twitching or jerking movements, fully dilated pupils and shivering. DrugWise has a great info sheet on Spice.
Sources: Drugscience; Release; drugabuse.com
References
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