Synthetic cannabinoids are artificial drugs that contain mind-altering elements. The chemicals are sprayed on dried or shredded plant materials to be smoked. It is also vaporized to be inhaled as in electronic cigarettes. The chemicals in this product are known as cannabinoids because they have similar chemical elements as those in the marijuana plant. The synthetic marijuana is a legal alternative to actual marijuana. Notably, the drug is not safe and can affect the brain more robustly than cannabis sativa. Its effects are dangerous, unpredictable, and sometimes life-threatening.
The element is classified to as new psychoactive substances, which are unregulated mind-altering materials. Several of these substances have been in existence for a while but have returned to the market in altered chemical forms as a result of recommenced popularity. These substances are packaged in colorful foil packages and plastic bottles to attract consumers. They include Spice, Kush, Black Mamba, K2, Kronic, and Joker (Drugfacts, 2018). Over the years it has been smooth accessing synthetic Cannabinoid mixtures in gas stations, over the Internet, novelty stores and paraphernalia shops. The substances are illegal due to their non-medical benefits. Consequently, it is also illegal to buy or possess them. Nevertheless manufactures result in changing their chemical formulas in their mixtures to bypass the law.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The belief that they are harmless and natural makes young people use these products. Synthetic cannabinoids are used in various ways. Some people smoke the dried plant material while others mix the sprayed plant material alongside marijuana (Drugfacts, 2018). Some people brew it as a tea while others will smoke it as electronic cigarettes. The drug is addictive, and users who quit may suffer withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include depression, headaches, and anxiety. The effect of consuming synthetic cannabinoid is comparable to that of marijuana. Users of these products report to experience relaxation, altered perception, elevated mood, and psychosis symptoms (White, 2018). Moreover, the psychotic symptoms include extreme anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and confusion. Additionally, the consumers of drug behave violently, have suicidal thoughts, experience vomiting, and have a rapid heart rate. Furthermore, it can raise the blood pressure and instigate reduced blood supply to the heart. It can also damage one’s kidneys.
Role of Public Health Policy
Substance abuse affects masses In America yearly. As a consequence of misusing these drugs, it may lead to crime, reduced life quality, diminished health, and even death. Moreover, the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs acknowledged drug addiction as a complex multifactorial health disorder that is illustrated by persistent and degenerating nature, which is preventable and treatable (Volkow, Poznyak, Saxena & Gerra, 2017). Therefore it is not a product of moral failure or unlawful conduct. Previously most nations strategies on addressing substance use disorders focused on penalty hence acknowledgment of the need to move from criminal justice to public health approach. The outcome is as a result of constant discussion between policymakers and the scientific community during the United Nations Commission on Narcotic drugs. It brought about UNGASS providing scientific support that substance use disorders are brain disorders. This means that they can be treated and that even individuals with the most severe forms can recuperate by accessing evidence-based diagnosis and shared backings. This makes criminal sanctions unsuccessful in preventing these disorders. Therefore a substantive procedure to drug policy is based on public health principles, which should highlight social protection and healthcare. It is in opposition to punishment and conviction.
Basing on the UNGASS recommendations that were adopted by the United Nations, it should be used to guide the position of public health policies. There should be the eradication of discrimination and stigma concerning people with substance use disorders, which can be done by increasing public awareness of addiction as a chronic but treatable disorder (Volkow, Poznyak, Saxena & Gerra, 2017). Additionally, there ought to be a comprehensive public health approach, which addresses substance use disorders as health issues in its place for criminal justice issues. Therefore provide room for prevention programs, recovery, and treatment that is evidence-based. Subsequently, scientific experts should be consulted when formulating policies so that they can offer reliable epidemiological data on the economic plus social factors that contribute to drug use. Therefore these disorders should be examined for preparation and evaluation of drug policy interpositions. Additionally, they should involve various stakeholders in coordinated policymaking due to the intricacy of safety and health issues that are linked to substance use disorders. Moreover, they should support drug-related research focusing on its effects on human behavior and brain. So policies that expedite research should be implemented.
In conclusion, Synthetic marijuana is dangerous, and its consumption should be prohibited. Its abuse may cause undesirable outcomes to the human body, which will consequently affect their behavior and health. Notably, it is not natural, as young people perceive it. Moreover, substance abuse disorders have guided the positioning of public health policies; hence, substance used disorders should be treated as a brain disorder. The affected should also be given assess to evidence-based treatment. This rules out any sanction or punishment on the victim.
References
Drugfacts. (2018). Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2/Spice). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/synthetic-cannabinoids-k2spice
Volkow, N., Poznyak, V., Saxena, S., & Gerra, G. (2017). Drug use disorders: impact of a public health rather than a criminal justice approach. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5428163/
White, M. (2018). Why synthetic marijuana is so risky. Retrieved from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-08-synthetic-marijuana-risky.html
