K2/spice refers to a class of chemicals called synthetic cannabinoids. These chemicals are made in the lab and are similar to chemicals found in cannabis.
Over 100 different synthetic cannabinoids have been identified. When K2/spice is inhaled, it attaches to proteins in the body known as cannabinoid receptors. This causes a "high." But K2/spice binds to these receptors much better than the chemicals naturally found in cannabis. This can lead to serious side effects.
Some people smoke K2/spice to get high. Smoking K2/spice can cause harmful side effects, including death. There is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Due to serious safety concerns, synthetic cannabinoids are banned in many states. Despite this, new synthetic cannabinoids continue to be developed. Some CBD and cannabis products have been found to be contaminated with synthetic cannabinoids. Don't confuse K2/spice with natural cannabinoids, including CBD, Cannabichromene (CBC), Cannabidivarin (CBDV), Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabinol (CBN), and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Also don't confuse it with cannabis or hemp. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using K2/spice for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When inhaled: K2/spice is unsafe. It can cause serious side effects, including hallucinations, seizures, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and death.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: K2/spice is unsafe when used during pregnancy and breast-feeding. K2/spice has many harmful side effects. It might interfere with fertility and the growth of the fetus during pregnancy.
Heart disease: K2/spice might increase the chance for heart attacks and death in people with heart disease. Avoid use.
Kidney disease: K2/spice might harm the kidneys in people with kidney disease. Avoid use.
Schizophrenia: K2/spice might increase the chance for agitation, hallucinations, and other symptoms of schizophrenia in people with schizophrenia. Avoid use.
Seizure disorders: K2/spice might cause more seizures in people with seizure disorders such as epilepsy. Avoid use.
Medications that can cause an irregular heartbeat (QT interval-prolonging drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
K2/spice might affect electrical currents in the heart. This can increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat. Some medications can have this same effect. Taking K2/spice with these medications might increase the risk for a serious heart issue.
Medications used to prevent seizures (Anticonvulsants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
K2/spice may increase the risk of seizures. Therefore, taking K2/spice may decrease the effects of medications used to prevent seizures. This might increase the risk of seizures.
Cannabis: Smoking K2/spice and cannabis together could increase the chance for side effects from K2/spice or cannabis.
Herbs and supplements that might cause an irregular heartbeat (QT interval-prolonging drugs): K2/Spice might affect electrical currents in the heart. This can increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat. Taking K2/spice with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk for a serious heart issue. Examples of supplements with this effect include bitter orange, ephedra, grapefruit, iboga, and Panax ginseng.
There are no known interactions with foods.
K2/spice is the general term used for synthetic cannabinoids. Over 100 synthetic cannabinoids have been identified. Synthetic cannabinoids have been banned in many states, but new synthetic cannabinoids continue to be developed.
Some people smoke K2/spice to get high. Smoking K2/spice can cause harmful side effects, including death.
3X, 5F-AKB-48, 5F-PB-22, 5-Fluoro-ADB, 5-fluoro-MDMB-PICA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, AM-1221, AM-2201, AM-2233, AM-694, Armageddon, Aroma, Bad Mojo, Banana Cream Nuke, Black Box, Black Diamond, Black Mamba, Blueberry Bayou Blaster, Bonzai, BooM, Cannabicyclohexanol, Climax, Clown Loyal, CP-47947, CP-55940, Crazy Monkey, Dead Man Walking, Dream, Feel Good, Flame 2.0, Forest Green, Funky Monkey, Happy Trigger, Herbal Incense, HU-210, Humboldt Gold, Jamaican Extreme, Jamaican Gold, Jonny Clearwater, JWH-007, JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-081, JWH-122, JWH-200, JWH-210, JWH-250, JWH-398, K2, K2 Blond, K2 Summit, K3, K9 Pure Fire, Kite, Kronic Purple Haze, KS, Kush, Lava, Lava Red, MadHatter, Mad Monkey, Mary Joy Annihilation, Maya, Monkees-go Bananas, Mr. Happy, Mr. Nice Guy, N-Joy, Ninja, OMG, Orgazmo, PB-22, Peak Extreme, Phantom Wicked Dreams, RCS-8, Samurai King, Scooby Snax, Sexy Monkey, Silver K2, SinX, Smoke, Smoke n' Skulls, STS-135, Space, Spice, Spice Gold, Spike 99, Synthetic Cannabinoids, Synthetic Cannabis, Synthetic Marijuana, TenX, Tropical Synergy, Twilight, UR-144, WIN 55,212-2, XLR-11, XXX, Yucatan Fire, Zombie.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.