Spice is a mixture of herbs that has been sold in head shops in Europe and Canada as an incense, as well as over the Internet as an herbal smoking blend. Even though the manufacturer officially warns against human ingestion of Spice, it is usually smoked for its Cannabis-like effects which are caused by several synthetic cannabinoids. Users report the effects of Spice Gold to be more sedating and less euphoric than Cannabis, with a longer duration.
On December 15th 2008, it was announced by German pharmaceutical company THCPharm, that JWH-018 was found as one of the active components in at least three versions of the supposedly "herbal" smoking blend, cannabis substitute drug Spice, which has been sold in a number of countries around the world since 2002, because of its legal status and its similarity in effects to marijuana.[1][2][3]
On January 19th 2009, it was announced by the University of Freiburg in Germany that the main active substance in Spice is an undisclosed analog of the synthetic cannabinoid CP 47,497[4].
Reportedly, HU 210[5] were found in the Spice but no detailed information nor independent verifications have been provided so far.
Legal status
Canada
Health Canada has stated an opinion that JWH-018 falls under item 1 of schedule 2 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, as a "similar synthetic preparation" to cannabis.[6]
Austria
The Austrian Ministry of Health announced on 18th December 2008 that Spice would be controlled under Paragraph 78 of their drug law on the grounds that it contains an active substance which affects the functions of the body, and the legality of JWH-018 is under review.[7][8][9]
Germany
JWH-018 is illegal in Germany since 22nd of January 2009. [10]
Worldwide
In almost all countries JWH-018 is legal. Exceptions may exist in specific countries, as shown above, especially where broad provisions are written in law.
See also
External links
- Erowid
- Austria bans herbal incense 'Spice' (msn news)
References
- ^ Gefährlicher Kick mit Spice (German)
- ^ Erstmals Bestandteile der Modedroge „Spice“ nachgewiesen (German)
- ^ Spice enthält chemischen Wirkstoff (German)
- ^ Hauptwirkstoff von "Spice" identifiziert January 19, 2009 (German)
- ^ Lab Results Confirm CBP in Ohio Discover Synthetic Narcotics in Incense (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
- ^ Correspondence from Health Canada
- ^ Kräutermischung "Spice": Gesundheitsministerium stoppt Handel (German) 18 December 2008
- ^ Austria bans herbal incense 'Spice'
- ^ Gesundheitsministerium setzt Maßnahme zum Verbot von "Spice" (German)
- ^ Betäubungsmittelrecht: Modedroge Spice wird per Eilverordnung verboten (German)