What You Should Really Know About The New Drug “Mojo”
WHAT IS “MOJO”?
“Mojo” is another name for a group of drugs marketed as synthetic marijuana, also sold as “Spice,” “K2,” and “Scooby Snax,” and belongs to a relatively new group known as “synthetic cannabinoids” or “new psychoactive substances”. Synthetic cannabinoids, or “mojo” is made of natural herbs or plant matter, which are then sprayed with synthetic chemicals that are supposed mimic the effects of real marijuana when they are ingested or inhaled. Because of the term “synthetic”, many people, including first-time users, are fooled into thinking that synthetic marijuana is not as harmful or dangerous as the real thing. In fact, “Mojo” and other synthetic cannabinoids are often sold as a “legal alternative to marijuana” and are packaged in brightly colored wrappers similar to children’s candy. In actuality, this synthetic drug produces effects that are much stronger than marijuana, often more unpredictable and in some cases life-threatening.
THE SIDE EFFECTS
In many users, “Mojo” and other synthetic cannabinoids produce severe agitation, paranoia, and anxiety, along with an increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Other signs that a person has ingested “Mojo” could include nausea, vomiting, seizures, muscle spasms, and tremors, coupled with intense hallucinations. Psychotic episodes and both suicidal and homicidal fixations are not rare in users under the influence of these drugs. Cases have been reported in which a user was reduced to a psychotic state after using “Mojo” and other synthetic cannabinoids only once. The drug has caused mental illnesses similar to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and ADHD in some users.
“MOJO” ADDICTION
Physical addiction to “Mojo” and the other members of the synthetic cannabinoid group is a real possibility for regular users. The withdrawal symptoms can be particularly severe. Of special concern is the fact that there are currently no psychiatric drugs that have been developed specifically to treat the side-effects of these new drugs. Consequently, patients exhibiting psychotic illnesses brought on by the synthetic cannabinoid group receive the same treatment given to anyone who has been diagnosed with similar illnesses.
If you or a loved one are suffering from the devastating effects of Mojo or any of its related drugs, there is help and support available to you – an ARISE® Drug and Alcohol Intervention can help get your loved one into treatment and on the road to recovery from synthetic cannabinoids.
