What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids—often referred to as K2, Spice, K3, K2P, or “herbal incense”—are man-made chemicals designed to activate the same receptors in the brain as THC (the active ingredient in cannabis). However, their chemical structures vary widely, and the compounds evolve frequently as manufacturers attempt to bypass regulations and testing technologies. These substances do not structurally resemble natural cannabis; instead, they belong to diverse chemical classes that can produce unpredictable and sometimes dangerous effects.

Because there is no single “synthetic cannabinoid” formula, researchers classify these substances into several major chemical families, each with its own structural backbone. Newer generations are often modifications of earlier compounds, created to remain legal or avoid detection. This rapid evolution is why toxicology programs, law enforcement, and medical providers struggle to keep up with identification and screening.

These products typically appear as loose, shredded plant-like material in small foil packets, though users may also encounter them in liquid cartridges. They are smoked, vaporized, or occasionally mixed into edibles. The effects are unpredictable because formulations change frequently, and batches often contain mixtures of multiple synthetic chemicals. These substances have no approved medical use and are associated with significant toxicity, including severe agitation, hallucinations, seizures, cardiac events, and fatalities.

Effects:

• Intense and unpredictable intoxication

• Severe anxiety, panic, or agitation

• Hallucinations or psychosis

• Elevated heart rate and high blood pressure

• Nausea and vomiting

• Confusion or disorientation

• Seizures

• Kidney damage in severe cases

• Violent or bizarre behavior

• High risk of overdose due to unknown potency

What is Morphine?

Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic derived from the opium poppy and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S. Medically, it is prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain, particularly in post-operative care, trauma settings, cancer pain, and palliative care. Pharmaceutical morphine is available as tablets, capsules, oral solutions, and injectable formulations, often appearing as white or colored tablets, clear liquids, or sterile solutions in vials.

Illicit or recreational morphine typically originates from diverted prescription supplies. Users may swallow, crush and snort pills, or inject liquid formulations to achieve rapid euphoria and sedation. Recreational misuse carries high risk due to morphine’s strong respiratory-depressant effects and its significant potential for dependence and overdose.

Effects:

• Pain relief and reduced perception of discomfort

• Euphoria or sense of well-being

• Drowsiness and sedation

• Slowed breathing and decreased respiratory drive

• Constricted (pinpoint) pupils

• Nausea or vomiting

• Constipation

• Itching or flushed skin

• Impaired coordination and mental clouding

• Risk of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal

What is Rohyphnol?

Rohypnol, the brand name for flunitrazepam, is a powerful benzodiazepine known for its strong sedative, muscle-relaxant, and amnesic properties. It is significantly more potent than most other benzodiazepines. Although widely used in some countries for treating severe insomnia or as a pre-anesthetic medication, Rohypnol is not approved for medical use in the United States due to its high abuse potential and strong central nervous system–depressant effects.

Rohypnol typically appears as small tablets, historically white but more recently green with a blue dye that dissolves into liquids to discourage covert use. In illicit settings, the drug may be crushed, dissolved, or swallowed. Recreational misuse is often driven by its intense sedative and calming effects or by its ability to enhance or modulate other substances, such as alcohol or opioids. Illicit use is strongly associated with sexual assault cases because of its capacity to cause profound sedation, disorientation, and anterograde amnesia.

Effects:

• Extreme sedation and drowsiness

• Muscle relaxation and decreased motor control

• Reduced anxiety and a sense of calm

• Impaired judgment and slowed reaction time

• Slurred speech and dizziness

• Significant memory impairment or blackouts

• Confusion and disorientation

• Decreased coordination and balance

• Respiratory depression at high doses or when mixed with alcohol

• Risk of dependence, withdrawal, and dangerous polydrug interactions

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid medication derived from thebaine and used medically for moderate to severe pain management. It is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations (e.g., OxyContin®, Roxicodone®), and typically appears as tablets or capsules in various colors, sizes, and imprints depending on manufacturer. In clinical use, it is taken orally under strict medical supervision due to its high abuse potential.

Recreationally, oxycodone may be swallowed, crushed and snorted, or—in more serious misuse cases—dissolved and injected to intensify its euphoric and sedative effects. Because it directly activates the brain’s opioid receptors, oxycodone carries significant risks for dependence, respiratory depression, overdose, and transition to stronger illicit opioids if misused.

Effects:

• Pain relief and relaxation

• Euphoria or a sense of well-being

• Drowsiness and sedation

• Slowed breathing and respiratory depression

• Constricted “pinpoint” pupils

• Nausea or vomiting

• Itching or flushed skin

• Impaired coordination and slowed reaction time

• Constipation

• High risk of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms

What is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia whose leaves contain psychoactive alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Depending on dosage, kratom can act as either a stimulant or an opioid-like depressant. At low doses, it produces increased energy and alertness; at higher doses, it can create sedation and euphoria similar to opioids.

Kratom is sold in many forms, including powders, capsules, extracts, and pressed tablets. The powder is typically green or brown and may be brewed as tea, swallowed in capsule form, or mixed with other beverages. While kratom has been used traditionally for pain relief and fatigue, in Western markets it is often used recreationally, for self-treatment of opioid withdrawal, or for mood enhancement. Because kratom products are unregulated, potency varies widely and may be contaminated with other substances.

Effects:

• Increased energy and alertness at low doses

• Euphoria and mood elevation

• Pain relief

• Sedation at moderate or high doses

• Nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort

• Sweating and flushed skin

• Itching or mild histamine-like reactions

• Constipation

• Risk of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal

• Potential respiratory depression when mixed with other sedatives