Marijuana use carries inherent risks, but these dangers escalate when the marijuana is laced with other substances. The symptoms of laced marijuana exposure can range from mild to severe, and can even be life-threatening. It is important for individuals to understand the potential dangers of using laced marijuana and how it can impact their health.
BlueCrest Health Group offers substance abuse treatment at our centers in New Jersey. Call 888.340.2214 to enroll today.
What Is Laced Marijuana?
Laced marijuana refers to marijuana that has been mixed with other substances—often without the user’s knowledge. Dealers might lace marijuana with other drugs to enhance the effects or to increase the weight and sell it for a higher profit. These substances can range from relatively harmless additives like honey or sugar to dangerous drugs like cocaine or PCP.
An Increased Risk of Fentanyl Exposure
Fentanyl is an ever-growing risk among individuals who use drugs of any kind. While there are few verified reports of marijuana being laced with fentanyl, it may quickly become an issue. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Exposure to this dangerous drug, even just once, can be fatal.
Illicit fentanyl is one of the primary causes of overdose deaths in the United States, and its presence is increasingly found in substances like cocaine and methamphetamine. It is possible that marijuana could be next on the list of laced drugs contaminated with fentanyl.
What Are the Symptoms of Laced Marijuana?
Recognizing the symptoms of laced marijuana can be challenging, as they often overlap with the effects of regular marijuana use. However, certain signs may indicate that the weed is laced:
- Severe paranoia or hallucinations
- Unusual aggression or agitation
- Rapid heart rate or breathing
- Loss of coordination or motor control
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unconsciousness or seizures
These laced weed symptoms can vary widely depending on the substance used to lace the marijuana. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms after using marijuana, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately.
The Dangers of Addiction
The dangers of laced marijuana extend beyond immediate health risks. Long-term use can lead to severe mental and physical health issues, including addiction and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Depending on the lacing substance, individuals may also face the risk of overdose.
Moreover, substance abuse use can have devastating effects on all aspects of life, from personal relationships to career prospects. It’s not uncommon for individuals to lose their jobs, damage their personal relationships, and experience financial difficulties due to their addiction.
What to Do When You Recognize Laced Weed Symptoms
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of laced marijuana use, it’s critical to take action right away. Talking to the individual struggling with addiction and encouraging them to seek help from a professional treatment center, can be life-saving.
You can say things like:
- “I’m concerned about your health and well-being.”
- “I’ve noticed something different about your behavior lately, and I’m worried.”
- “I care about you and want to support you in getting the treatment you need.”
- “You don’t seem the same after smoking weed, and I’m concerned about the potential dangers.”
BlueCrest Health Group offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs that address not just addiction but also co-occurring mental health conditions.
Call BlueCrest Health Group Now
Now that you know what the symptoms of laced weed are, it’s essential to take action if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction. BlueCrest Health Group provides personalized, evidence-based care at both of our treatment centers in New Jersey, QuickSilver Counseling Center and BlueCrest Recovery Center. Get help for yourself or a loved one now by calling 888.340.2214 or contacting us online.