These mimic the psychoactive effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active principle in cannabis, and are found in 'herbal' smoking mixtures commonly sold as 'Spice' on the internet and in specialist 'headshops'. Synthetic cannabinoid compounds are sprayed on to a mix of inert plant ingredients, usually free of tobacco or cannabis, to produce these smoking mixtures. It is not certain that every product sold as Spice will contain synthetic cannabinoids, only forensic testing will tell.There are a large number of potential cannabinoids that can be synthesised. with JWH being the predominant chemical family and JWH-018 the most commonly used compound to date.It is reported that herbal smoking mixes are imported into the UK from China. However, the synthetic cannabinoids may be sprayed on elsewhere. Products containing synthetic cannabinoids are Class B drugs, illegal to have, give away or sell.

Slang: Names given to herbal smoking mixtures come and go. Some current names for Spice products are: Spice Silver, Spice Gold, Spice Diamond, Spice Arctic Synergy, Spice Tropical Synergy, Spice Egypt, Spice Yukatan Fire, San Pedro Cactus, EcSess, Amsterdam Gold, Devil’s Weed, Hyper?X

The effects

• Synthetic cannabinoids mimic the psychoactive effects of THC and so the effects - good and bad - are likely to be very similar to cannabis.
• Some will feel happy and relaxed.Others may feel sick, get the giggles, feel hunger pangs and become very talkative.
• Psychoactive drugs alter mood and perception and can make concentration and co-ordination difficult.
• Paranoia, panic attacks and memory loss are associated with using THC.

Chances of getting hooked

Like cannabis, dependence on Spice products will be influenced by a number of factors, including how long you've been using it, how much you use and whether you are just more prone to become dependent. You may find you have difficulty stopping regular use and you may experience psychological and physical withdrawals when you do stop. The withdrawals can include cravings for Spice, irritability, mood changes, appetite disturbance, weight loss, difficulty sleeping and even sweating, shaking and diarrhoea

If you've only been using for a short while there should be no problem stopping but with continued regular use of Spice products it may become more difficult. Because the potency and content of these products may vary greatly, you can never be certain how you will react and what harms you may suffer.

The law

Products like 'Spice' which contain synthetic cannabinoids are Class B controlled drugs. This means that it is against the law to possess them, to give them away or to sell them. Possession can get you five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Supplying can get you fourteen years in prison and or an unlimited fine. Be aware, only forensic testing will identify if synthetic cannabinoids are in these 'herbal smoking' products. You can't trust the labelling. Even if the label says it's free of synthetic cannabinoids it might not be.

Appearance and use

Spice products are packaged very professionally in small, often colourful sachets with labels describing the contents as incense or herbal smoking mixture and almost always stating: 'Not for human consumption'.

CostTop

£20-£30 a sachet.

PurityTop

The chemical composition and ingredients of herbal highs like Spice are changing all the time which is why you can never be sure what you're getting and how it could affect you.

The risksTop

• Although little evidence exists at the moment about the harmful effects of Spice, experts conclude that it is very likely that synthetic cannabinoids will produce harmful effects similar to those associated with THC – the psychoactive ingredient of cannabis.
• Regular use of products containing stronger synthetic cannabinoids may increase the risk of later developing psychotic illnesses including schizophrenia.
• Experts are concerned that Spice products containing synthetic cannabinoids have the potential to be more harmful than cannabis due to the way they are made and because the compounds present and their quantity – and hence their potency – will be unknown to the user.
• Some compounds used in Spice may have a very long duration of action.
• Some batches of the product might be much more or less potent than others.

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