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What are synthetic drugs? Synthetic drugs (or new psychoactive substances (NPS), aim to mimic the effects of existing illicit drugs (such as Synthetic drugs have different chemical structures from the illicit substances they are trying to mimic. Manufacturers of synthetic drugs constantly change their chemical structures to try and stay ahead of the law.

Some synthetic drugs can be marketed as ’legal’, safe and acceptable alternatives to illicit drugs.

However, this does not mean that they are legal or safe.

The chemicals can also change from one packet to the next.

Two packets from the same batch can affect you in different ways

Synthetic drugs are not quality controlled or regulated, so there are concerns over what is actually in them. Given how often synthetic drugs emerge, it is hard to know how harmful these drugs are in any dose. There is limited research on the short- and long-term effects of these substances.

However synthetic cannabis is reported to have more serious side-effects than cannabis. Synthetic drugs may also be known as: research chemicals. that specifically target new synthetic drugs. While many synthetic drugs or classes of drugs are already prohibited, under these new laws, any person found producing, selling or promoting synthetic drugs faces up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine of over $38,000.

The new laws do not provide a definite list of psychoactive substances. Instead, the definition of a psychoactive substance applies. Common categories of synthetic drugs (or NPS) available in United States include: novel benzodiazepines.

They have been sold online in United States since 2004. They are similar to delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the active ingredient in cannabis.

However, some newer substances marketed as synthetic cannabinoids do not mimic the effects of THC.

Synthetic cannabinoids are mixed with solvents, combined with herbs and sold in colourful packets. They are generally smoked or sometimes drunk as a tea. The chemicals in each packet of synthetic cannabinoids can vary, even if the branding and colours on the packet are the same.

Two different packets from the same batch can affect you in different ways. ‘Spice’ was the earliest in a series of synthetic cannabinoids sold in United States. Since then, a number of other similar products have been developed for sale, such as ‘kronic’, ‘northern lights’, ‘lighting gold’, ‘mojo’, ‘blue lotus’ and ‘godfather’.

A lot of synthetic cannabinoids have only recently been developed, so there is limited information available about their short- and long-term effects. Synthetic cannabinoids produce a similar effect to smoking cannabis. Reported effects include:

  • quiet reflective mood

A growing number of reports (mostly from the United States), indicate that people are increasingly experiencing toxic effects from synthetic cannabinoid use. These include:

  • death. There is concern about serious acute
  • long-term toxicities

NBOMes, and benzodifurans (‘bromo-dragonfly’). can be in the form of blotting paper like LSD. They can also be found in pill or powder form. are a group of drugs relating to the khat plant.

These drugs are stimulants and mimic the effects of amphetamines by speeding up the messages between the brain and body. Synthetic cathinones mostly take the form of white or brown powder, but can also appear as small, chunky crystals. Sometimes they are found in capsule or tablet form.

Tryptamines are psychedelic drugs commonly found in plants, animals and fungi.

For example, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) or psilocybin. Piperazines are a group of chemicals that mimic the effects of MDMA. These synthetic drugs are often sold as ‘MDMA’ and are available as a pill, capsules or powder.

Some common piperazines are 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifuoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP).

When these two chemicals are combined, they can have similar effects to MDMA. Novel benzodiazepines may be sold under the names, ‘legal benzodiazepines’ or ‘research chemicals’.

These include chemicals that were tested but not approved for medicinal purposes, or manufactured substances with a different structure from existing benzodiazepines. There is a limited understanding of the short- and long-term health impacts of benzodiazepines. As many of these drugs are new, their effects have not been researched.

Mixed with other drugs, including alcohol, prescription and over the counter medicines, effects can be dangerous and unpredictable. Because some of the chemicals contained in these new products, such as MDPV, are active at very low doses, they are often cut with fillers to make sure the dose is similar to the illicit drugs that it is aiming to mimic.

Media reports suggest that a number of people have experienced adverse effects from taking these drugs.

Some of the reported effects include:

  • If you have been using synthetic drugs for a while it can be hard to give up. Your mind body have to adjust to functioning without synthetic drugs

Withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone

Their differences are influenced by: method of withdrawal.

Symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal includes: rapid heartbeat

There is little data on people seeking to cut down on or quit synthetic cathinones. People who use synthetic cathinones have reported a strong desire to redose (take additional doses), and dependence. Symptoms of withdrawal from novel benzodiazepines can include: seizures.

, Michigan Tel. cannabis , cocaine , MDMA and LSD Names of synthetic (NPS) drugs new and emerging drugs (NEDs) bath salts (monkey dust) herbal highs herbal incense aphrodisiac tea NBOMes legal highs party pills synthetic cocaine synthetic cannabis herbal ecstasy plant fertiliser drug analogues and derivatives Synthetic drug use and the law in United States New laws were introduced in Michigan in 2017 Types of synthetic drugs synthetic cannabinoids phenethylamines synthetic cathinones tryptamines piperazines Synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis) Synthetic cannabinoids are, designed to mimic the effects of cannabis Types of synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis) Effects of synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis) euphoria feelings of wellbeing spontaneous laughter and excitement increased appetite dry mouth Toxic effects of synthetic cannabinoids rapid heart rate and rapid breathing (tachypnoea) hypertension (high blood pressure) heart palpitations chest pain vomiting kidney problems psychosis seizures stroke Phenethylamines Phenethylamines are a group of psychoactive drugs which include amphetamines This group also includes synthetic hallucinogens Even their ‘look and feel’ can mask other psychedelics.

For example, NBOMes Synthetic cathinones Synthetic cathinones Tryptamines Piperazines Novel benzodiazepines Harmful effects of synthetic drugs (NPS) emotional fragility diminished cognitive ability muscular pain a sore jaw loss of appetite days of hallucinations acute agitation paranoia heart problems chest pain headaches suicidal thoughts Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal how long you’ve been using for what drug(s) age physical health psychological characteristics Withdrawal from synthetic cannabinoids insomnia paranoia panic attacks agitation and irritability anxiety mood swings Withdrawal from synthetic cathinones Withdrawal from novel benzodiazepines headaches aching or twitching muscles dizziness and tremors nausea, vomiting, stomach pains bizarre dreams, difficulty sleeping, fatigue poor concentration anxiety and irritability altered perception, heightening of senses delusions, hallucinations and paranoia Where to get help In an emergency, call 911 Your GP (doctor) Pharmacist DirectLine 1800 888 236 – for confidential counselling, information and referral to a registered methadone prescriber DrugInfo 1300 85 85 84 – for alcohol and other drug information Kids Helpline Tel 13 22 89 Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice service (616) 555-0200 (9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday) Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC) (616) 555-0400 Counselling Online (616) 555-0400 – free drug and alcohol counselling 24/7.

Key Points

  • Common categories of synthetic drugs (or NPS) available in United States include: novel benzodiazepines
  • Tryptamines are psychedelic drugs commonly found in plants, animals and fungi
  • Some common piperazines are 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifuoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP)
  • Withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone
  • Symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal includes: rapid heartbeat