How To Recognize Fake Marijuana

As with any popular product, there are always conmen out there trying to sell you a fake version of the real thing. This is true for marijuana as well, and although some of these products can give you a high similar to real THC, many of them are just a way to take your money for nothing. Learn how to recognize fake marijuana to avoid getting scammed or worse.

First Things First: Fake Marijuana Can be Dangerous

Before you learn how to recognize fake marijuana, you need to know that using synthetic THC can be extremely dangerous. It’s often sold under the street names spice, K2, or black mamba, and it can cause seizures, hallucinations, and other harmful effects, none of which are attributed to real marijuana use. There are no standards for producing fake marijuana, which increases the risk of negative side effects if you get a product that has too much of the chemical. Most forms of synthetic marijuana are illegal, even in states where marijuana is legal.

Recognizing Fake Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana can look very similar to the real thing, making it hard to determine when you’re being offered fake cannabis. You’ll notice that synthetic marijuana is usually colorful and includes dried flowers and leaves from actual herbal plants. However, unlike real marijuana, the synthetic version is typically sold in small packets about 2 inches by 3 inches. They are often colorful foil or plastic bag packets and may have a disclaimer that says, “not for human consumption.” 

Look at Ingredients

Manufacturers of fake marijuana will often market it as all organic, but that term is far from the truth. Synthetic marijuana contains chemicals that mimic the effect of THC on the brain. These chemicals can be between 1 and 800 times more powerful than the natural substance, which means you’re never sure of exactly how much you’re taking. Itimpossibleble to overdose on natural marijuana, but it is a real possibility that you could overdose on synthetic marijuana. Many fake marijuana products contain a chemical called HU-210, which is a controlled substance and illegal in the U.S.

Take Note of the Effects

If you do take a marijuana product that you don’t know is fake, you will usually be able to tell as soon as you feel the effects. Synthetic marijuana is typically more powerful than real marijuana, but the high will not last as long. If you’re smoking it, you may taste a harsh bitterness in the back of your throat, which is not present with real marijuana. Additionally, your lungs and throat may burn for a significantly longer time than with the natural product. If you notice any of these signs, stop taking or using the product immediately. Without regulation, there’s no telling what you’re putting into your body, and it could be dangerous.

Conclusion

Now that marijuana is becoming more acceptable in society and legal in many states, there’s really no reason to use synthetic marijuana at all. The real thing is readily available, and you don’t have to worry about the dangerous side effects of fake marijuana.