What are K2 and Spice?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in marijuana plants. Spice are names used to describe a group of drugs known as synthetic (lab-made) cannabinoids. They’re made from dried plant materials that have been sprayed with mind-altering chemicals.

These synthetic drugs were originally designed by scientists to use in research. Once the production methods were published in scientific journals, enterprising drug manufacturers used the directions to make illicit drugs they could sell.

In 2008, the first reports of these drugs appeared in the United States. Between 2010 and 2011, calls to poison control centers due to synthetic cannabinoid use jumped by 240 percent.

Are K2 and Spice the same as marijuana?

Drugs like K2 and Spice are sometimes called “synthetic marijuana” or “fake weed,” but experts say these are misleading terms. Marijuana is a plant that’s grown for both medical and recreational use. Synthetic cannabinoids are plant material that’s been sprayed with an active drug.

Synthetic cannabinoid products are often labeled “not for human consumption.” Labels also often claim that they contain natural material taken from a variety of plants. However, the only parts of these products that are natural are the dried plant materials. Chemical tests show that the active, mind-altering ingredients are cannabinoid compounds made in laboratories.

Other Names For K2 Drugs

K2, Spice, Mr. Happy, Scooby Snax, and Kronic