While our country is still plagued by the opiate crisis, there is another dangerous drug that is rapidly falling into the hands of our children: synthetic vape. A harmful message is being sent to our younger generation as states approve the legalization of vape and offer it as a safe and harmless drug. The problem gets worse when our young people believe that synthetic vape is the same as natural vape. They don’t realize that nothing could be further from the truth. Young people across the country are becoming seriously ill and dying after using synthetic Buy Vapes In Burnaby, even after using it for the first time.

Users and sellers should know that “tweaking” the chemical composition of a drug is still illegal. The modified substance may be a new formula, known as an analog, but it contains similar chemical compounds to those that are banned. An analog of a drug is a created variation that is chemically or pharmacologically similar to an original or created formula (another existing analog.) An analog of a controlled substance, if intended for human consumption, shall be treated as a controlled substance for any federal law substance in schedule I (2). Most states have implemented analogous state laws in addition to existing federal regulations to curb the misuse and sale of synthetic drugs.

Synthetic vape is commonly purchased in head shops, tobacconists, gas stations, and over the internet. It is often marketed as incense or “fake weed” and is labeled “Not for human consumption”. Synthetic vape chemists mistakenly believe that selling the product as incense or potpourri will protect them from federal prosecution.

The chemists who produce these synthetic cannabinoids do this by spraying chemicals onto the shredded plant and herbal material. Due to the reactions between the chemicals and herbal materials, some synthetic cannabinoids can be up to 100x more potent than natural THC. These chemicals are often not products ever intended for human consumption and undiluted many of them would be deadly. The use of these chemicals results in a significant number of dangers and negative side effects, including high blood pressure, blurred vision, heart attack, vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, severe anxiety, paranoia, violent behavior, and death.

Synthetic vape is usually sold in colorful packaging containing dehydrated green or brown plant material. However, as “vaping” and the use of e-cigarettes with liquid variations of tobacco substitutes become more popular, an increase has been noted in the marketing of liquid forms of synthetic vape. Internet sites sell liquids to vaporize and inhale in e-cigarettes and other devices, which are other forms of synthetic vape.

Parents should monitor their children’s behavior and talk to their children about the dangers of synthetic drugs. Regardless of the legal issues regarding natural and synthetic vape, statistics show that vape is the most commonly abused drug among teens and is a gateway drug to addiction to street and prescription drugs, including heroin. Parents and educators should monitor their children when making purchases online or purchasing items from local small shops. Some stores may keep the synthetic vape out of sight to avoid law enforcement but still offer to sell it from behind the counter. When a child or student is confronted with packaging labeled “Not for Human Consumption”, the substance must be confiscated and handed over to local authorities. The dangers of using synthetic drugs cannot be overemphasized for children and other potential users.