2. K2, “spice,” “Genie,” or “Zohai,” is a
cannabinoid very closely related to THC, the
chemical in marijuana that causes users to
get high.
It is a mixture of herbal/spice plant
products sprayed with potent psychotropic
drugs, often contaminated with unidentified
toxic substances (including lead) which
contribute to various adverse health effects
(also cause hallucinogenic effects similar to
effects of PCP).
3. It can be bought on the internet or head
shops for $25-$30 per gram in packages
labeled “Not for human consumption.”
K2 originated as JWH-018, a synthetic
substance created in a Clemson University
laboratory
It affects the same receptors in the body as
THC.
4. The findings of Dr. John Huffman, an organic
chemistry professor, were published in a
1995 research paper, where it was replicated
and the chemical was then used on various
smokeables.
5. Dr. Huffman, when interviewed on K2 said “It
is like Russian roulette to use these drugs. We
don’t know a darn thing about them for real.
It shouldn’t be out there.”
6. Creates a high, just like weed.
It can be smoked in the same manner as
weed, such as a bowl, pipe, joint, or bong.
7. K2 creates a high 4-100 times greater than
marijuana, based on the product purchased
It has hallucinogenic effects.
It can cause seizures.
Has lead to coma/unconsciousness
8. Can cause vomiting
Causes numbness/tingling
Can elevate BP to dangerous levels, 200/100
in some cases.
Has also been known to raise HR to 150 BPM
9. Medical reports indicate users developing a
rapid and powerful addiction on a level not
usually found among smokers of “real”
marijuana.
K2 has a chemical structure shared with
known cancer-causing agents.
It appears to be stored in the body for long
periods of time, and therefore the long-term
effects on humans are not fully known.
10. Currently, K2/Spice is legal in most states. It
was banned in Chile, France, Germany, South
Korea, Sweden and Switzerland as of 2009,
and it is under review in several other
countries.
The six states banning the drug are Alabama,
Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and
Missouri. Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and
New York are considering bans.
11. Schedule 1 drug- high tendency for abuse
and no accepted medical use
A mother of two died after consumption of
herbs laced with the drug.
Over the past year, approximately 1500
patients were admitted to the ER due to K2
usage.
K2 has been linked to impaired driving cases,
emergency room admissions in teenagers,
and attempted suicides due to it causing
anxiety in users.
12. The drugs contained in K2 are not currently
regulated by the federal government.
However, the DEA has labeled them as a
chemical of concern.
Families who have lost loved ones to K2 are
outraged and are urging lawmakers to take
action.
13. Its chemicals have been undetectable in drug
tests.
Recently, changes have been implemented to
find the drug in the user’s system.
NMS labs is currently the only organization
that has the ability to test for K2.
14. Athletes feel they can use the drug without
consequence because it is not illegal.
The NCAA has suggested that an “under the
influence” law can be used against those
consuming it in states where it has yet to be
banned.
16. One theory states a ban will make the herbal
market more dangerous due to reasons
including that spice smokers who may be
smoking it as a substitute for cannabis will
shift back to marijuana and can give rise to
the use of more dangerous chemicals that are
not yet banned.
However, a more widespread assumption is
that little is known about the drug except for
the occasional news story, therefore the
mainstream public has yet to catch on.
17. On November 24th, the DEA used its
emergency scheduling authority to
temporarily control five chemicals (JWH-018,
and its cousins JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-
47,497, and cannabicyclohexanol).
18. This action will make possessing and selling
these chemicals or the products that contain
them illegal in the U.S. for at least one year
while the DEA and the United States
Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) further study whether these chemicals
and products should be permanently
controlled.
19. We can make athletes aware of what this
substance can do.
We can implement testing as soon as it
becomes available.
We can counsel those who we suspect of
using it, because the health and safety of our
athletes is the top priority!
21. DEA moves to emergency control synthetic marijuana. (2010, November 24). Retrieved from
http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr112410.html
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from: Research Library. Accessed December 2, 2010, Document ID: 2029840841.
Drug fact sheet-k2. (2010, November 17). Retrieved from
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