Can you die from taking Spice?

Maybe. It is possible to die from taking Spice. But Spice is a relatively new drug which is poorly understood. More on the adverse effects and systems affected by Spice here.

3
minute read

The truth is, nobody’s really sure.

Still, we answer: Yes. It is possible that a severe reaction to Spice could kill you. More here on synthetic cannabis deaths, adverse side effects, and dangers of Spice. Plus, we welcome your questions about Spice at the end.

Dangers of  Spice ingredients

What’s really dangerous about Spice is the fact that no two brands contain the same ingredients. They all consist of chopped herbs sprayed with a synthetic cannabis substance, but that’s where the similarity ends. Manufacturers don’t even list what’s in Spice on the packaging; they’ve managed to get around ingredient listings by including the phrase, “Not intended for human consumption” on legal weed labels. However, there may be harmful heavy metal residues in some brands of Spice. And no batch contains the same ingredients. This is why some people have very intense, potent reactions to some types of synthetic weed, while others may experience little to no effect.  Note here that there is NO THC in Spice.

Serious adverse side effects of Spice

Spice can cause a variety of adverse, sometimes severe side effects. Although these have not yet been clinically studied, anecdotal evidence from self-reported Spice users is found on internet communities. From these reports, we gather that some of the serious side effects to Spice can include:

  • anxiety attacks
  • hallucinations
  • nausea
  • paranoia
  • psychotic episodes
  • rapid heart rate

In rare cases Spice can even result in potentially-deadly swelling of the brain.

Systems affected by Spice

The cannabinoid substances in Spice act on the THC receptors of the brain and central nervous system. The drugs in Spice are much more powerful and unpredictable than marijuana, and potentially more toxic. This is why Spice can cause a high similar to that of marijuana, but it can also cause hallucinations and similar effects.

Signs of Spice overdose

Spice is a new drug, and it’s poorly-understood. Different synthetic chemicals may be used in different batches, and different samples of the drug may not have the same strength. What is known is that this drug is addictive and has some serious adverse effects. Spice overdose can be difficult to treat, since so little is known about the substances used in its production, and since there’s so much variation between different brands and batches. However, the most commonly-reported overdose effects are:

  • anxiety attacks
  • convulsions
  • dangerously elevated heart rate
  • disorientation
  • increased blood pressure
  • vomiting

How to treat Spice overdose

If you suspect a Spice overdose, the most important thing is to get to a hospital as quickly as possible. These very serious adverse effects can’t be effectively treated at home and require medical attention.

Are you taking too much Spice?

You can get addicted to K2, or another variation of Spice.  Why?  Because Spice is addictive. Do you find yourself physically dependent on the drug? Do you find yourself craving Spice, or experiencing withdrawals when you can’t take it? If you’re using herbal incense and find yourself unable to stop, or feel you need to take it on a regular basis, you’re probably taking too much.

Help for Spice use or misuse

If you’re struggling to quit Spice, you can find help. Since the substances used in this drug as so similar to those in marijuana, joining a support group or 12-step program for marijuana abuse will probably be helpful. Therapy can also be successful in helping you resist situations, people, and places which might tempt you to use Spice again.

Dangers of Spice questions

Do you still have questions about the dangers of taking Spice? Maybe you want to report your own experiences. Please leave your comments, questions and feedback about Spice here. We try to respond to all questions with a personal and prompt reply ASAP. You are not alone!

Reference Sources: DEA: Chemicals Used in “Spice” and “K2” Type Products Now Under Federal Control and Regulation
US Army: Spice: The other marijuana
NIDA: InfoFacts: Spice
DEA Office of Diversion Control: Spice Cannabinoid
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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