Synthetic Marijuana, called K2 or Spice, use has become widespread in the US, especially by those trying to avoid detection during drug testing. The drug compound was initially developed in a laboratory to study the effects of the active ingredient of marijuana, THC, on the brain. The formula for the drug, named JWH-018 in the lab, was soon marketed as a legal substitute for marijuana.
K2/Spice mimics the effect of THC but is usually much stronger than marijuana and can cause unexpected side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, psychotic episodes, severe kidney damage and heart attacks.
TEST DETAILS
The Expanded Synthetic Cannabinoid Panel detects 19 K2/Spice drug compounds and metabolites in the urine.
FAQS
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Quentin Caswell, MSN, is an Integrative and Functional Medicine Specialist dedicated to helping patients feel their best. Board certified in advanced bioidentical hormone replacement and peptide therapy, he earned his Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) and opened Advanced Practice Wellness Clinic in 2011.