SPICE

What is spice?

Synthetic (man-made) drug that provides a high effect similar to marijuana. It contains a mixture of plant materials and unregulated chemicals. 

Often coated with unknown toxic chemicals, causing a dangerous and unpredictable high.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Looks similar to potpourri and is often sold in small bags or containers with small leaves.

COMMON NAMES

• Spice

• K2

• Blaze

• Yucatan Fire

• Red X

• Black Mamba

• Fake Weed

• Mr. Nice Guy

• Herbal Incense

HOW IS IT used?

Mainly by smoking through a pipe or joint, but is sometimes mixed with food or liquids.

SIDE EFFECTS

• increased heart rate

• increased blood pressure

• vomiting and convulsions

• numbness and tingling

• tremors and seizures

• hallucinations

• panic attacks

• paranoia

• giddiness

• agitation and aggression

Legal Penalty

Spice and Bath Salts are illegal to sell and possess in the state of Hawai'i.

ACT 29: all retailers or persons in possession of spice and bath salts products are in violation of state law and may be prosecuted for possession or distribution of a schedule 1 controlled substance.

* Now considered a class B felony, violators can be prosecuted for up to 10 years or pay a $10,000 fine. 

Sources: Office of National Drug Control Policy Synthetic Marijuana Fact Sheet (12/11), Iowa Department of Mental Health Synthetic Marijuana Fact Sheet, DEA K2/ Spice Drug Fact Sheet, "Popular Drug Spice is Now Illegal" KHON2 News (04/12), ACT 29: State of Hawaii Department of Public Safety, "Synthetic Drugs Offer Dangerous High" via Hawaii News Now (01/12), "Spice Traps Troops" Star Advertiser (04/11), " Legal High Becomes Horrible Dream" Joe Gould via Army Times.