SYNTHETIC CANNABIS

Synthetic cannabis is chemically similar to the chemicals found in marijuana but has a much stronger impact on the brain. The human-made, mind-altering chemicals are sprayed on dried, shredded plant material; the material is smoked or liquified for vapor inhalation through e-cigarettes or other means. Street names include Black Mamba, Bombay Blue, Red X, and Snax.

Side-Effects of Synthetic Cannabis

Synthetic cannabis use can cause:

• Altered perception;
• Confusion;
• Elevated mood;
• Extreme anxiety;
• Hallucinations; and/or
• Paranoia or symptoms of psychosis.

SYNTHETIC CATHINONES

Mostly known by their street name of bath salts, synthetic cathinones are a chemical relative to cathinone, a naturally occurring substance found in the khat plant.[3] It’s a brown or white crystal-like powder and can be injected, smoked, snorted, or swallowed. Street names for synthetic cathinones include Bliss, Cloud Nine, Drone, Ivory Wave, Red Dove, Snow Leopard, and White Lightning.

Side-Effects of Synthetic Cathinones
While a lot still isn’t known about how bath salts affect your brain, a common synthetic cathinone — MDPV — is at least 10 times more powerful than cocaine. Other side effects can include:

• Excited delirium;
• Hallucinations;
• Increased friendliness;
• Increased sex drive;
• Panic attacks; and/or
• Paranoia.

PSYCHEDELICS

Psychedelics are two groups of drugs — classic hallucinogens like LSD and dissociative drugs like PCP — that alter the perception of your surroundings, feelings, and thoughts. These drugs can be ingested by a range of means, like swallowing pills or tablets, snorting, and/or brewing into tea. Street names are wide and varied but include Acid, Angel Dust, Boomers, Buttons, California Sunshine, Love Boat, Lucy, Magic Mushrooms, Magic Mint, and Shrooms.

Side-Effects of Psychedelics
Most psychedelics cause users to feel changes in the sense of time; increased heart rate; intensified feelings and sensory experiences; and/or nausea. But other side effects can include:

• Bizarre behaviors;
• Dry mouth;
• Excessive sweating;
• Feelings of relaxation; and/or
• Paranoia or psychosis.

Long-term effects are rare but can include persistent psychosis — disorganized thinking, mood changes, and visual disturbances — or hallucinogen persisting perception disorder — recurrences of certain drug experiences. These conditions usually occur when you have a history of mental illness, but they can happen to anyone.

PIPERAZINES

Piperazines mimic the effects of ecstasy and were once a legal alternative to the substance. Users note euphoric feelings, enhanced alertness, and decreased appetite when taking piperazines. This substance comes in a range of forms and shapes, including an off-white powder, pills, capsules, or liquid. Common street names include A2, Frenzy, and Nemesis.[4]

Side-Effects of Piperazines
Because it has similar effects, the side effects of piperazines are similar to ecstasy and may include:

• Agitation;
• Allergic reactions;
• Diarrhea;
• Fits;
• Irregular heart rhythms;
• Stomach pain and/or vomiting.

FENTANYL AND OTHER OPIOIDS

Synthetic forms of fentanyl and other opioids affect the brain’s opioid receptors to create similar pain relief effects. They may be a powder or tablet form — tablets often mimic the shape, size, and imprints of prescribed opioids.[5] Street names include Apache, Captain Cody, Doors & Fours, Dillies, Goodfella, Loads, Pancakes & Syrup, Percs, and Oxycat.

Side-Effects of Opioids
Because synthetic opioids affect the same receptors in your brain as others, you may experience:

• Confusion;
  Drowsiness;
  Decreased breathing rate;
  Euphoria;
  Pain relief;
  Relaxation; and/or
  Sedation.

The strength and unknown dosage amounts of synthetic opioids make an overdose highly possible. Common signs include cold or clammy skin; changes in pupil size; stupor; and/or severely reduced respiratory rate.

K2 AND SPICE

K2 or Spice is a plant material mixture sprayed with psychoactive synthetic chemicals, which frequently looks like potpourri. The chemicals are meant to mimic the effects of THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana. K2 or Spice is used by smoking or inhaled as a vapor. The substance has many street names, some of which include Blaze, Black Magic, Dream, Genie, Ninja, and Yucatan.[6]

Side-Effects of K2 and Spice
It’s possible to develop a dependence on K2 and Spice and experience side effects such as:

• Agitation and anxiety;
• Disorganized thoughts;
• Elevated blood pressure;
• Paranoid delusions; and/or
• Violent behaviors.

MOLLY OR MDMA

Molly or MDMA, the main active ingredient in many ecstasy tablets, is a psychedelic and stimulant. It’s noted for its effects of empathy, euphoria, feelings of physical closeness, and lowered inhibitions. MDMA tablets are usually swallowed but also crushed and snorted; it’s also used in a powder form. Common street names include Beans, Disco Biscuit, E, Eve, Hug Drug, Peace, and X.

Side-Effects of Molly or MDMA
Effects of Molly occur within an hour of taking the substance and may include:

• Anxiety and confusion;
• Blurred vision;
• Depression;
• Drug cravings;
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate;
• Increased sensitivity to touch;
• Muscle tension, including involuntary teeth clenching;
• Paranoia; and/or
• Sleep issues.

ARE RESEARCH CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES LEGAL?

Yes and no. Though they’re commonly categorized as synthetic substances for legal and regulatory research and purposes, most have legal counterparts specifically developed to get around drug enforcement regulations.

Currently, many state and federal drug laws outlaw specific molecules or structures — illicit manufacturers change the drug’s structure as new laws pass to stay ahead of regulation. The consistent but unregulated changes make research chemicals unpredictable for use.