Don't be Fooled by Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana, or "spice," is a psychoactive drug that is made by spraying synthetic chemicals on natural plants. The effects are designed to closely resemble the effects of marijuana. However, since the chemicals used are synthesized meaning they are copycat versions of the drug THC, they are legally allowed to sell over the counter at any convenience store or retail outlet. The chemicals or "cannabimimetics" used can be more potent than THC and have more serious implications. The complications of the side effects can be far more drastic than marijuana, resulting in seizures and even death. This alone should be enough of a reason to steer clear. Since it is legal, readily available, cheaper than the real stuff, and most of the chemical's won't show up on a drug test it has become the 'high' of choice by many young adults, especially high school students. Many of these user's have found their way into the emergency room because of this choice.

So why is synthetic marijuana still being consumed in such large amounts? The obvious answer is people are naive, especially the younger population. However, the manufacturers and marketer's are having a huge impact on enticing consumer's to use their products. Manufacturer's of these products have found loop holes in our legal system and use persuasion methods to lure people into using their products. They use chemicals that have not been banned by the FDA and if and when the FDA cracks back they slightly alter the chemicals to meet legal stipulations.This keeps there product legal and on the shelves of convenience stores across the country.

Manufacturer's use names very similar to the names given to marijuana strands at medicinal facilities. Examples of product names include Mr. Smile, K-2, Potpourri, and Gorilla dro po po (I'm not making the last one up). The packaging resembles that of bags marijuana is sold in. The product itself is almost identical to marijuana.

I understand it is a legal alternative, and brands are going to try and resemble the real product as closely as they can. I also don't want you to think that I'm pushing marijuana as a healthy alternative either because I don't think it is. The problem is the product is not natural, and contains harmful chemical, which have dangerous implications that aren't completely known. It is being used by a large amount of people because it looks like marijuana and gives you a similar high for a quarter of the price. Because it is legal and cheap people are persuaded to purchase these products because they feel they are getting the same drug for a significant markdown in cost.

These synthetic brands are basically selling the idea that they offer a nearly identical product, without any negative implications for a lower price. This is persuasion because they are able to manipulate the legal system to portray their product as a safer alternative. Because it is legally sold on the shelves of stores and more affordable consumer's believe they are making the smarter choice. Just like we saw in the special, The persuader's, marketer's are able to persuade and manipulate consumer's purchase habits by altering price, wording, and comparisons to similar products (The Persuader's 2004).

Be careful with synthetic drugs, just because it is legally sold doesn't mean it is good for you!

Here are the links where I found a lot of my information:
http://www.aapcc.org/alerts/synthetic-marijuana/
www.drugs.com