Synthetic drugs are substances that are laced chemically in order to replicate the effects of illegal drugs like cannabis, marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine. Based on chemicals they are made up of, synthetic drugs are divided into two categories, namely – Synthetic Cannabinoids and Synthetic Cathinones

Synthetic Cannabinoids: Popularly known as synthetic marijuana, K2 or Spice, cannabinoids are made of chemical compounds meant to replicate the effects of THC [delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the main psychoactive substance present in marijuana].

Synthetic Cathinones: Often known as bath salts or jewelry cleaner, these drugs contain chemical compounds meant to mimic the effects of amphetamines, cocaine, or MDMA. They also consist of methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), mephedrone, and methylone.

In general, people use drugs for the sake of enjoyment and also to beat boredom, anxiety, depression and other sort of mental illnesses. However, taking synthetic drugs often results in devastating effects – they are extremely dangerous, highly addictive, and are cheaper than natural drugs. Also, there have been reports of violent, erratic behavior and deaths after people have used these drugs. But what makes synthetic drugs so dangerous?

Synthetic Drugs - Synthetic Marijuana, K2, Spice, Bath Salts, Jewelry Cleaner

Synthetic drugs are so dangerous because people have no idea what chemicals they are ingesting. Manufacturers these days would do whatever it takes to dodge drug test and they no longer maintain quality control. So far over four years, the Drug Enforcement Administration has identified more than 158 new synthetic drug compounds, including 51 new brands of fake pot.

Well, what’s more terrifying is the aftermath; these drugs can cause seizures and psychotic, sometimes violent behavior (all because of the compounds they use).  Watch Reactions explaining what happens to your brain when you are on synthetic drugs and why they are as scary as you think.

Source: ACS

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