Synthetic cannabis is consumed by smoking or drinking it like tea.

There is no safe level of drug or substance use. All substances carry risks, so caution must always be exercised when using them, especially illegal drugs. The effects of synthetic cannabis on each person depend on several factors, including:

The user’s weight

The user’s physical and mental health

The frequency of use

The use with other drugs or substances, such as prescription drugs

The amount used

The purity of the drug (which illegal drugs often do not have standards)

Synthetic cannabis is a relatively new substance, so there is limited information on its short-term and long-term effects.

Synthetic cannabis takes effect almost immediately when smoked. Symptoms vary from person to person, including:

Relaxation
Increased appetite
Dry mouth, paleness
Consuming large or strong doses of cannabis can cause the following effects:

Lack of concentration
Blurred vision
Slowed reflexes
Seeing unusual things, hearing unusual sounds
Rapid heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Mild anxiety and paranoia
Seizures
Cerebral thrombosis
Death

Research on synthetic cannabis dependence is limited, but chronic use of synthetic cannabis has been reported to increase tolerance and addiction.

There is no safe way to consume synthetic cannabis. Synthetic cannabis is very harmful to your body. If you decide to use it, here are some things you should do:

Set boundaries for yourself and stick to them.

Don’t let others force you to use it.

Avoid mixing or combining multiple drugs, or if you do, do your research first.

Always remind yourself of what you’re using and how much.

Eat before you party, and stay hydrated.

Tell a close friend what you’re going to do.

Don’t drive your own car or motorcycle if you think you’re going to be high that night.

If you’re feeling high but you’re driving, leave your car at the bar and take a taxi or GrabCar home. Then come back the next day when you’re sober. Or, you can use the YouDrinkIDrive app, which will send a driver to drive you home.

Set a close friend’s number as an emergency number so that they can pick you up when you’re high and alone. Apple phones have a built-in emergency dialer feature. If you have an iPhone, make sure you use it wisely.

Several deaths have been reported from synthetic cannabis use. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms after using it, call an ambulance immediately:

Rapid, irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Hallucinations
Emergency numbers
Bangkok Emergency Medical Unit 1646
Nationwide Emergency Medical Unit 1669

Synthetic Marijuana + Methamphetamine or Ecstasy are prohibited! This combination has very serious effects on the body. Do not consume together under any circumstances.

There are no reports of any harmful health interactions between PrEP and synthetic cannabis.

If you take Pep with Atazanavir (ATV) in the PI (Protease Inhibitors) group or Efavirenz (EFV) together with synthetic cannabis, it may cause the drugs to interact and have adverse effects on your health.

You should consult a specialist doctor to closely monitor your symptoms and adjust the dosage and duration of use. If you go to a clinic that is affiliated with TestBKK, we assure you that you will not face any problems in disclosing your drug history.

Atazanavir, a PI (Protease Inhibitors) antiviral drug, increases the level of THC in the bloodstream. Research has shown that using synthetic cannabis with this drug reduces the level of the drug in the body by up to 60%, which will cause the body to become resistant to the drug and develop drug resistance. In addition, if you take the NNRTIs antiviral drug Efavirenz (EFV) or Etravirine (ETV) together with synthetic cannabis, it may cause the drug to interact and have serious effects on your body. If you are living with HIV and use drugs, you should consult and have regular health check-ups with a specialist doctor. If you go to a clinic that is affiliated with TestBKK, we assure you that you will not face any problems from disclosing your drug use history.

If your synthetic cannabis use is starting to affect your physical health, relationships with friends and family, ability to work or study, or even your financial situation, it may be time to reach out to someone who can help. There are many treatment options and organizations ready to help you and those around you. Whether your goal is to control, reduce, or quit using marijuana, there is always someone to help.

If you are concerned about your drug addiction or have a mental health problem related to your substance use, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to a professional. Whether you are calling for psychological counseling, if you are having suicidal thoughts or feeling stressed, or just want to find out more about the right health services for you, it is free and your information will be kept confidential.

Find a hotline for information and advice

Drop-in centers offer services that can help reduce the health risks associated with drug use, such as clean syringes. If you have a goal to reduce your drug use, these drop-in centers can help. You can be sure that you will receive services in a safe space with friendly and supportive staff.

Find a drug use reduction service

If you are looking for treatment and rehabilitation services, there are many clinics that can help you achieve your drug reduction and cessation goals. They offer both inpatient and outpatient services, from preparation to detoxification, rehabilitation and follow-up.

Find a treatment and rehabilitation clinic

Regular blood and STD testing, at least every three months, is important for your health. If you visit a clinic that is affiliated with testBKK, we can assure you that you will not face any problems in disclosing your drug use history. You can also book a blood test in advance, which will help you avoid waiting in line. Get a quick, confidential and anonymous test.

Book an appointment with a clinic that is affiliated with testBKK.

Withdrawal from synthetic cannabis is difficult. Withdrawal symptoms may last for more than a week, but sleep patterns will be disrupted in the long run. Symptoms include:

Generalized anxiety

Mood swings, irritability, aggressive behavior

Decreased appetite, stomach upset

Insomnia, nightmares

The information on the testBKK website is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you need more information or advice about SPICE, you should consult a medical professional.