Synthetic Cannabinoids (“Spice”) Offenses in Lubbock

Synthetic cannabinoids are functionally similar to THC, the active chemical ingredient in marijuana. In technical language, a “synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist” binds with cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce an effect (or “high”) that is similar to the effect caused by ingesting (smoking) marijuana.

Originally developed by researchers seeking a medication for pain relief that would mimic the benefits of THC. The drug has not been approved for medical use because it produces a more potent “high” than marijuana.

Synthetic cannabinoids that are sold for recreational purposes are usually adhered to dried vegetable matter. Making it possible for the user to smoke the substance in the same way that marijuana fumes are inhaled. A number of different synthetic cannabinoids have been developed. Sometimes different synthetic cannabinoids are combined in the same commercial product. Perhaps in the hope of confounding forensic analysis of the drug.

According to the DEA, synthetic cannabinoids began to be marketed for recreational purposes in the United States near the end of 2008. They are sold under hundreds of different names. Including Spice, K2, Blaze, Yucatan Fire, Red X Dawn, Paradise, Skunk, and Moon Rocks. As new versions are developed, new street names are likely to accompany them.

While Spice and similar substances are available for purchase on the internet and, for a period of time. Could be found in head shops and truck stops. The active chemicals most frequently found in Spice have been designated as a Schedule I controlled substance by the State of Texas and the United States government.

Manufacturers, usually based in Asia. Continually work to circumvent that designation by designing new chemical compounds that achieve the same results. In turn, the federal and Texas governments are continually updating their controlled substance schedules to include newly developed synthetic cannabinoids.