How much Spice is too much?

A description of how Spice is packaged, and difficulties in estimating overdose amounts. Plus, more on the signs of Spice overdose and their treatment here.

3
minute read

It’s hard to say how much Spice is too much.

The very fact that Spice reads “NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION” makes it clear that this herbal mixture is not safe for using. Further, overdose on the synthetic cannabinoids contained in Spice can be very likely, simply because the ingredients contained in a batch of Spice are potent and unevenly dispersed. Even a single puff can provoke severe psychiatric episodes, some of which many cause long term consequences.

So, how much Spice is safe to smoke? How can you tell when you’ve smoked too much? Moreover, can you die from smoking Spice? We review these questions here and at the end we invite your questions questions and comments.

Spice strengths

The manufacturing process of Spice is not standardized, which makes it hard to determine its strength. Manufactures have over 140 synthetic cannabinoids at their disposal and are often changing the composition of Spice in order to exclude those ingredients which have been classified as illegal, thus maintaining Spice’s “legal” status. While these cannabinoids target the same receptors marijuana does (CB1 and CB2) and produce similar effects, Spice is not structurally related to marijuana. Chemical analysis have shown that synthetic cannabinoids found in Spice labeled products can be up dozens of times more potent than the THC found in marijuana.

How much Spice is safe?

Smoking Spice is very risky.

However, people tend to abuse it for its marijuana-like effects not considering what the actual package consists of are not aware of the possible consequences. Simply put, no amount of Spice is safe and no one should disobey the precaution on the packaging.

How much Spice can you take at once?

It depends. The amount and the type of  synthetic cannabinoids that are included in a particular package of Spice can never be certain unless you send it off to a lab for identification. Effects can vary from mild to severe and can result in long-term consequences. Reports of death from Spice related hallucinations as well as increasing numbers of psychiatric conditions (that do not pass) are alarming.

How much Spice to overdose?

Overdose levels depends on the potency of the synthetic cannabinoid. While sometimes it takes a puff or two to overdose and provoke severe consequences, other times it may take much more to even feel its effects. The most common signs of Spice overdose include:

  • agitation
  • arrhythmia
  • excessive sweating
  • increased blood pressure
  • increased heart rate
  • hallucinations
  • palpitations
  • paranoia
  • seizures
  • tachycardia

How much Spice is fatal?

Most of the reported fatalities related to Spice abuse have been consequences of suicides and violent behavior as a result Spice overdose. However, little is known about the possible side effects of all the active ingredients a Spice product can contain so it would be speculating to write about the fatality of Spice as of yet.

How much Spice is too much questions?

Do you have additional questions about Spice overdose? In case this article does not answer your question, please send us your feedback via the comments section below. We will do our best to answer your questions personally and promptly.

Reference sources: FBI: Synthetic Marijuana Stats
NIDA: Drug Facts on Synthetic Marijuana
NIH: TOXNET for Cannabicyclohexanol
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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