Can you get addicted to K2?

Yes, it’s possible to become addicted to K2. More on the dangers of K2 and what’s known about this relatively new drug here.

3
minute read

Yes. You can get addicted to K2.

This unpredictable mixture of shredded plants and chemicals can be smoked or made into a tea, also called “Spice.” Although K2 is similar to marijuana, no one really knows for sure how it works or how dangerous it really is.  K2 drug dangers include psychosis, hallucinations and cardiac problems.  So what are the documented effects of K2? What should you do if you’re a K2 addict? We answer these questions and invite yours below.

What’s in K2?

The scary thing is that there’s really no way to know! K2 is made of mixes of different chopped up plants and herbs that are sprayed with a synthetic chemical containing manufactured cannabinoids meant to mimic the effects of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana). Because there are so many different brands and formulas of K2 floating around, it’s impossible to know what is in the product. Sometimes the mix even contains harmful metal residues.

What does K2 do in the body?

Again, this depends on what’s in the particular batch of K2 you’re using. K2 seems to affect the brain, creating a “high” similar to what you might experience with marijuana, although more potent and long lasting. Unfortunately, K2 can also cause many unpredictable side effects.  How long K2 in system can vary, but K2 can generally be detected within 1-3 days of use.  And there’s a reason the drug is usually labeled “not for human consumption.” Some of the adverse effects of K2 on the body include:

  • agitation
  • hallucinations
  • rapid heart rate
  • vomiting

How do you get addicted to K2?

Just like most other drugs, using K2 frequently or in large amounts can cause addiction. Unfortunately, we don’t know exactly how addictive the difference substances used in K2 really are. There’s some evidence that repeated use can cause users to develop a tolerance to K2. And some anecdotal evidence of withdrawal from K2. But the chemicals found in K2 are relatively new to science (only developed in the mid-90’s) and have not been tested on humans.

What does it mean to be addicted to K2?

No one is completely sure yet what the ramifications of K2 addiction are. Since it hasn’t been around very long, there also haven’t been any studies on the long-term health effects of K2 abuse.

Are you addicted to K2?

If you’re addicted to K2, there are different ways you can approach quitting. Since the drug is so similar to marijuana, support groups or therapies for marijuana addicts might be helpful for you. Talk to a mental health professional with experience in addiction, as many of the approaches for addiction are similar regardless of the drug involved. Avoid people, places, and situations which make you want to use K2.

Questions about using K2

Please also leave us your questions, comments and experience about using K2. We invite all legitimate and helpful information here…and will try to respond to your questions in a personal and prompt reply.

Reference Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse: InfoFacts: Spice
Drug Enforcement Agency: Drug Fact Sheet: K2 or Spice
NIDA for Teens: “Spice” – Not as fun as it sounds
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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