Synthetic drugs of abuse harm reduction

High quality cannabis products that are regulated and subjected to testing to ensure safe levels of heavy metals and various microbial contaminates offer a recreational option that is safer than many recreational substances purchased through black market means. One alarmingly common example of such substances is a large category of compounds that are synthetic, i.e. manufactured. These compounds are very addicting, extremely cheap to produce, and can cause extremely dangerous mental states and behaviors[1]. 

State and federal legalization of cannabis leads to more widely available cannabis products and would reduce cost for the consumer and make them more accessible. This would provide a safer alternative for individuals seeking out recreational substances in areas where the most affordable recreational drug are dangerous substances such as these. In this sense, legalized cannabis can be a form of harm reduction.

Risks include high blood pressure, violent behavior, psychosis, delirium, hallucinations, suicidal ideation, tachycardia and seizures. These formulations can be changed slightly to produce an essentially endless combination of mind altering substances that can be combined to create these products. This means legislation and regulations preventing the sale of these substances is difficult, and any type of viable at-home testing kit would be difficult to produce. The effects of such products are wide ranging but can be extreme[1].

These compounds are known by many names such as flakka, bath salts, MDVP, synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic phenethylamines, N-bombs, smiles, designer drugs, krokodil, gravel, zombie-drug, K2, and spice among others. Synthetic drugs of abuse are a category that is composed of countless molecules that are created by combining various flammable ingredients, including prescription nitrites such as the antihypertensive drug amyl nitrite, and/or various flammable and noxious ingredients including solvents such as paint thinner, aerosols such as spray paint, gases such as ether, etc[2]. 

• Synthetic/manufactured drugs of abuse:

  •  Often potent, foul-smelling crystals that can appear white or pink in color, similar to rock salt or Himalayan pink salt, but with a strong chemical smell.  

  • Very addictive.

  • Extremely cheap, flammable ingredients.

  • Can induce an incredibly long-lasting intoxication and psychosis. 

  • Toxic ingredients used, such as red phosphorus from the tips of matches. Use of such ingredients comes with many risks including other contaminants, for example red phosphorus match tips also contain powdered glass.

  • Can be surreptitiously added to any number other substances (cigarettes, marijuana), potentially exposing someone without their knowledge or consent.

[1] https://oxfordtreatment.com/substance-abuse/synthetic-drugs/

[2] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts