Names like K2, Spice, AK-47, Wicked X, Serenity, and Paradise may sound like street names for a new illegal drug. Believe it or not, these names are actually brands of something you can buy at pretty much any local convenience store: synthetic marijuana. Synthetic marijuana, or as it is more commonly known, spice, is essentially plants that have been sprayed with chemicals that can supposedly imitate the "high" that users get from marijuana. On top of this, spice has the added effect of not having any THC, so spice users do not have to worry about any traces of drug use coming up up on a drug test. This is especially appealing to people who have careers that regularly require them to undergo a drug test. However, not all is well in the world of spice.

Unfortunate Side Effects

Many pot users would describe the experience of using marijuana as calming or relaxing. Spice, on the other had, has no proven track record for the type of high, rush, or intoxication a user may experience. A case in point is the accident caused by Seattle Seahawks player Derrick Coleman. Coleman was under the influence of a spice variant known as "F'd Up" when the crash happened. Another driver fell asleep at the wheel after smoking spice and struck three pedestrians and a number of vehicles before being apprehended. The troubling fact is that the drug itself is so unpredictable. Some may experience the intended calming slow-down of marijuana, while others may find their heartbeat racing out of control. With several different variants of spice, all of which make use of a number of different chemical blends, it is not only difficult to test for this drug, but it is also difficult to pinpoint exactly what effects each variant will have on a person. On top of this, everyone experiences drugs differently, so getting a real perspective on each strain will likely be a long a difficult process. Since these spice drugs are so readily available, it can be reasonably assumed that people who enjoy the use of spice are likely willing to mix the effects of spice with that of alcohol or any other drug they take.

Even though the drug itself is legal to carry, possess and use, spice and all of its variants are a far cry from being "safe." Also, in spite of the drug's quality of being legally permitted, use of the drug while operating vehicles or machinery can no only be incredibly dangerous, but also land you with criminal DUI charges. Remember, the crime is being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a vehicle, not whether the drug is legal.