What Are Synthetic Drugs?
Synthetic drugs are chemically engineered substances designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs. They are created in laboratories and are often marketed as legal alternatives to controlled substances. Despite being marketed as safe or legal, synthetic drugs can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2/Spice)
Synthetic cannabinoids are chemicals sprayed onto dried plant material that can be smoked, or sold as liquids to be vaporized. They are often marketed as safe, legal alternatives to marijuana but can be much more potent and dangerous.
Health Effects
• Rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure
• Nausea, vomiting, and violent behavior
• Confusion, hallucinations, and paranoia
• Suicidal thoughts
• Kidney damage and seizures
• Death
Street Names
K2, Spice, Black Mamba, Joker, Kush, Kronic, Bombay Blue
Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts)
Synthetic cathinones are human-made stimulants chemically related to cathinone, a substance found in the khat plant. They are typically sold as white or brown crystal-like powder in small plastic or foil packages.
Health Effects
• Extreme agitation and paranoia
• Hallucinations and psychotic behavior
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Chest pains and risk of heart attack
• Breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue
• Kidney failure and death
Street Names
Bath Salts, Flakka, Bloom, Cloud Nine, Vanilla Sky, White Lightning, Scarface
Other Synthetic Compounds
New synthetic drugs are constantly being developed to evade drug laws. Other dangerous synthetics include:
• Synthetic Opioids: Including fentanyl analogs, which are extremely potent and responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths
• NBOMe compounds: Powerful hallucinogens often sold as LSD that can cause seizures, heart attacks, and death
• Synthetic benzodiazepines: Sedatives that can cause respiratory depression and death, especially when combined with opioids
Signs of Use
• Agitation, irritability, or aggression
• Confusion or disorientation
• Rapid heart rate or breathing
• Hallucinations or paranoia
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
What You Can Do
• Educate yourself and your family about the dangers of synthetic drugs
• Talk to your children about the risks
• If you suspect someone has used a synthetic drug, call 911 immediately
• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement
Contact
Missouri State Highway Patrol
1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-3313
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov
Emergency: 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55