| JWH-018, also called a 'synthetic cannabinoid', is an | | | | vibrant) |
| emerging drug of choice to replace the use of | | | | * heavy sinking feeling |
| Marijuana. Since it provides the same effect or | | | | * respiratory suppression |
| even better than Marijuana, most herbal smoke | | | | * controlled breathing |
| blends incorporate JWH-018 as part of the | | | | * gastrointestinal discomfort (rarely happens) |
| ingredients to achieve a better 'high' experience. | | | | * possible heightened pleasurable sensitivity |
| Nevertheless, effects of JWH-018 still vary | | | | It also renders some positive effects such as |
| between individuals. Usually, novice smokers may | | | | analgesia and anti-anxiety. But, these claims are |
| undergo a much more profound "high" experience | | | | doubtful up to this day due to lack of evidence |
| compared to regulars. A few users may or may | | | | from scientific researches. Therefore, the |
| not show the same signs and symptoms, | | | | proposal for its medical application as a response |
| however they may experience the same effect | | | | to its therapeutic effect is still out-of-the-question. |
| of JWH-018 in general. | | | | Dangers of JWH-018 |
| Cognitive and Psychological Effects of Smoking | | | | Although no cases of dying from JWH-018 known, |
| JWH-018 | | | | smoking higher doses of JWH-018 might be quite |
| JWH-018 mimics the mechanism of THC found in | | | | dangerous. Reported scarier and harmful effects |
| Marijuana, thus affecting the functions of the brain | | | | include short-term memory loss, extreme |
| resulting to CNS depression. Since it binds itself to | | | | sedation that may lead to coma, euphoria, |
| CB1 receptors dominantly found in the brain, | | | | paranoia, anxiety, slight confusion and vomiting. It |
| expect to notice symptoms of alterations in the | | | | clearly creates shocking brain effects, even cause |
| control of emotions, motivation, judgment, | | | | severe life-threatening hallucinations, and some |
| memory and learning. For smoking a regular dose | | | | seizures. Aside from that, the frightening physical |
| of 3 to 5mg of JWH-018, its psychological effects | | | | effects in the cardiovascular system, such as |
| include: | | | | increase heart rate and blood pressure, may pose |
| * heightened mood | | | | a threat to the body of the user. Thus, ignoring |
| * enhanced sense of humor | | | | such negative effects of JWH-018 is big no-no. |
| * heightened curiosity and intrigue | | | | It is even more disturbing that JWH-018 may |
| * racing thoughts | | | | actually have a greater possibility for abuse. There |
| * time distortion and dilation | | | | was a case study about a man actually |
| * buzzing or humming like a psychedelic | | | | demonstrating withdrawal symptoms when he |
| experience | | | | abstained himself from using JWH-018. He |
| * reduced concentration | | | | experienced tremors, nausea and vomiting, |
| * relaxing state | | | | diarrhea, bouts of headaches, insomnia and |
| * mild euphoria (phasing in between bouts) | | | | palpitations and even seemed restless with unclear |
| * Manic-depressive (hyperactivity to moments of | | | | thoughts. |
| dullness and vice versa) | | | | With all the commotions going on about JWH-018, |
| Physical Effects | | | | especially its negative effects to the body, the |
| Same as its cognitive and psychological effects, | | | | issue remains at a standstill. There are already |
| physical effects are also predominantly, if not | | | | quite a number of reports proliferating in the |
| greater, the same for all users. JWH-018 causes | | | | Internet and even reached the ears of |
| the same Cannabis effects and actually confirmed | | | | lawmakers, however the information remain as |
| through these following symptoms: | | | | speculations. Since no clinical evidences and |
| * bloodshot eyes and droopy eyelids (only noted | | | | thorough scientific studies to back these claims, it |
| to some users) | | | | is obvious that it will just become another rumor. |
| * drowsiness | | | | Hence, hearsay or not, using something without |
| * tachycardia (increases heart rate) | | | | knowledge about its possible harmful effects is still |
| * visual effects (colors appear more full and | | | | just plain ignorance. |