Scientists from Australia and the UK have conducted the largest study on this issue. It was published in Psychopharmacology.
Spices are synthetic drugs based on the molecule the active ingredient in cannabis. Scientifically, they are called synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. These substances are usually added to smokeable plant material.
Despite the fact that the manufacturers of these drugs regularly change their formula, and therefore their effect can be unpredictable, these substances are popular due to their cheapness and availability. Spice is more potent than cannabis, making it more likely to be addictive and harder to quit.
In a new study, researchers interviewed 284 people who used cannabis and spices. This is the largest study comparing the severity of withdrawal from spices and cannabis.
Withdrawal syndrome (withdrawal syndrome)
Most often the term «withdrawal syndrome» associated with alcoholism, but in fact it is characteristic of the use of any of the psychoactive substances
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More than two-thirds of those who were trying to quit smoking spice reported at least three withdrawal symptoms. This is the name of the unpleasant sensations in connection with a sharp rejection of a narcotic substance after its regular use. Participants in the study most often encountered sleep disturbances, irritability, depressed mood, palpitations and a desire to use the drug again. Their symptoms were significantly worse than those who tried to stop taking cannabis. Scientists point out that this is a sign that it should be more difficult to “tie up” with spices.
Study participants reported that the body was less tolerant of spices than cannabis, although their effects did not last as long. Also, with the use of spices, tolerance was developed faster — the need to increase the dose in order to achieve the same effect.
The authors of the study point out that it is necessary not only to prevent the use of spices, but also to develop measures to help those who want to give them up.