K2 - NYC Health

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K2 — Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids are a class of drugs commonly referred to as K2. K2 affects the same area of the brain as cannabis (weed), but it contains chemicals made in laboratories and sprayed onto dry leaves. These chemicals are not derived from the cannabis plant.

K2 is packaged under numerous brand names, including: Spice, Green Giant, Bizarro, Geeked Up, Smacked, and AK-47.

In New York State, it is illegal to possess, sell, offer to sell, or manufacture synthetic cannabinoids.

If you see someone who took K2 become unconscious, unresponsive or experience a seizure, call 911.

Health Risks

Death is a rare but serious risk associated with the use of K2.

Since the chemicals found in K2 vary from packet to packet, and potency can differ even within one packet, the effects of K2 are unpredictable. People who use K2 may feel fine after one use, but become extremely sick after the next time. Regular users may also experience withdrawal and craving.

Some of the adverse health effects of using K2 include:

Extreme anxiety

Confusion

Paranoia

Hallucinations

Rapid heart rate

Vomiting

Seizures

Fainting

Kidney failure

Reduced blood supply to the heart

Information for Retailers

Selling K2 is a misdemeanor, punishable by:

Up to one year in jail

Fines of more than $100,000

Prosecution under federal law

Closure and eviction as a "public nuisance"

Suspension or revocation of your cigarette retail dealer license

For more information on the K2 law to criminalize sale and production:

Press Release: K2 Legislation into Law

K2 Synthetic Cannabinoid - Information for Retailers (PDF)

K2 Palm Card (PDF)
Other Languages: Español

Information for Providers

Health Advisory #7, 2018: Cluster of synthetic cannabinoid (K2)-related adverse events and emergency department visits, New York City (PDF)

For past Health Advisories about K2, search our Health Alert Network page.

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: FindTreatment.gov

More Information

For 24/7 information and referrals, call 988.