How Synthetic Weed Can Send You to the ER

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Oct 3, 2024

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In recent years, emergency rooms across the United States have seen a disturbing increase in visits related to synthetic weed use. This dangerous substance, often marketed as a “safe” alternative to marijuana, is anything but harmless. In fact, synthetic cannabinoids pose a significant threat to public health, with the potential to cause severe and sometimes life-threatening reactions.

Here are some of the side effects of synthetic THC that can send you to the ER:

  • Severe bleeding
  • Irregular heartbeats, chest pains, or even heart attacks
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Respiratory failure
  • Seizures, extreme confusion, and altered states of perception
  • Psychosis, hallucinations, and severe anxiety
  • Kidney damage

While it’s in your best interest to completely avoid using these substances, remember that these “safer” alternatives are not safe at all. If you or someone you know is experiencing any unusual symptoms from synthetic cannabinoids, seek medical attention at a freestanding emergency room immediately. When left untreated, these side effects can lead to long-term health complications, permanent organ damage, or even death.

What is synthetic cannabis?

Synthetic cannabis — also known as synthetic marijuana, K2, spice, black mamba, and fake weed — is a man-made substance meant to mimic natural marijuana. It’s part of a group of unregulated drugs known as new psychoactive substances (NPS), designed to create similar effects to illegal drugs.

Synthetic cannabinoids are usually made by spraying chemicals onto dried plant material so they can be smoked or used in e-cigarettes and other devices. The chemicals in these products can change a lot, so users never really know what they’re taking, which makes them more dangerous and unpredictable.

Person spraying chemicals onto synthetic weed

According to recent data, calls to U.S. poison centers regarding synthetic weed jumped a staggering 88% between 2021 and 2022. This rise shows the growing popularity and availability of these products, which are sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and online, even though they are banned or regulated in 14 states.

What is the difference between natural and synthetic cannabinoids?

Both natural and synthetic cannabinoids interact with the same brain receptors, but their effects and safety profiles differ significantly. 

  1. Plant vs. chemicals: Natural cannabinoids, like THC from marijuana, come from the cannabis plant, while synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals designed to copy THC. 
  2. Effects: Synthetic versions often bind more strongly to brain receptors and can vary between batches, causing stronger and less predictable effects, whereas natural marijuana has more consistent effects.
  3. Legality: Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level but is legal for medical or recreational use in many states. For example, buying and using marijuana is legal in the state of Colorado but illegal in the state of Texas. In contrast, synthetic cannabinoids are often sold legally due to ever-changing formulations that skirt regulations.

While natural marijuana carries some health risks, synthetic cannabinoids are far more dangerous due to their unpredictability. Just because these products seem legal and are easy to find doesn’t mean they’re safe — in fact, they are only available because they are completely unregulated, meaning any number of dangerous substances could be in those bags, and using them can pose any number of serious health issues.

Potential medical emergencies from artificial weed side effects

1. Severe bleeding

K2 synthetic weed can cause serious bleeding because it sometimes contains compounds similar to rat poison that prevent blood from clotting. This can lead to internal bleeding, bleeding gums, or nosebleeds, which may be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

2. Cardiovascular emergencies

Synthetic weed can cause a fast heartbeat, chest pain, and even heart attacks. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure significantly, stressing the heart and blood vessels. In severe cases, it can damage the heart muscles, leading to dangerous heart rhythms or heart failure.

Learn more about cardiovascular emergencies: 

3. Respiratory distress

Synthetic cannabis can make it hard to breathe or result in respiratory failure. This is because it can slow down the central nervous system (CNS), which controls breathing, and the harsh chemicals in synthetic weed can damage lung tissue, causing inflammation and reduced lung function.

4. Seizures and neurological problems

Substances like synthetic cannabinoids can interrupt normal brain activity and trigger seizures, even in individuals with no history of epilepsy. Prolonged or severe seizures can result in brain damage if not treated quickly.

5. Acute psychosis and severe anxiety

Synthetic weed can have potent effects on the brain and can induce acute psychosis characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and severe anxiety. These mental disturbances can be intense and long-lasting, potentially leading to dangerous behavior or self-harm. In some cases, these effects can persist even after the drug has left the system, requiring long-term psychiatric care.

6. Kidney damage

Certain synthetic cannabinoids have been linked to acute kidney injury and left side abdominal pain. These substances can cause direct damage to kidney cells or lead to a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where damaged muscle tissue clogs up the kidneys. Severe cases may require dialysis or lead to chronic kidney disease.

7. Extreme confusion and altered perception

Synthetic weed can cause major changes in how you perceive things and severe confusion. This can lead to accidents or injuries because users may lose touch with reality. In some cases, these effects can last for days or weeks, affecting daily life and possibly causing long-term cognitive problems.

In short, artificial weed side effects are no joke, and can cause long-lasting harm to your mind and body. Chasing a high or a buzz is not worth spending your time in an emergency room. However, understanding how severe these effects can be can help you determine the signs on when you need to visit the emergency room.

When to visit the ER after K2 synthetic weed usage

If you or someone you know has used K2 or other synthetic weed products, it’s important to watch for signs that you need emergency medical care. Here are some situations when you should go to the ER right away:

  • Any unusual bleeding, like nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or blood in your urine or stool
  • Chest pain or trouble breathing
  • Seizure, even if it’s the first time
  • Severe confusion, agitation, or aggression
  • Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there or feeling extremely paranoid
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Severe nausea and vomiting

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The effects of synthetic weed can be unpredictable and dangerous. Don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room if you’re worried about your symptoms or someone else’s. Emergency room staff are there to help, not judge.

Learn more: How to remain calm in an emergency

Experiencing side effects of synthetic THC? Visit a Complete Care near you!

Synthetic weed can cause a range of dangerous side effects, including severe bleeding, heart problems, difficulty breathing, seizures, and extreme confusion. These effects are unpredictable and can be life-threatening, so it’s important to get medical help right away if you experience any worrying symptoms.

If you or someone you know is experiencing worrying side effects from synthetic THC use, don’t hesitate to visit a Complete Care facility near you. Our freestanding emergency rooms throughout Texas (Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, and San Antonio) and in Colorado Springs are equipped to handle medical emergencies 24/7, with shorter wait times than traditional hospital ERs. 

At Complete Care, you’ll find board-certified physicians and a team of experienced medical professionals ready to provide prompt, compassionate care (including all necessary ER blood work and testing) without judgment. Visit us today for the care you need!

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