Synthetic drugs are chemically-laced substances designed to mimic marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine that are commonly sold in gas stations and head shops. They are divided into two categories: cannabinoids (synthetic marijuana known as K2 or Spice) and cathinones (synthetic cocaine or meth known as Bath Salts). While laws vary on possession, the sale of all synthetic drugs is illegal in New York State. These drugs can cause dangerous side effects like paranoia, psychosis, and stroke due to their unpredictable chemical makeup and potencies that are often much stronger than natural drugs.

1. Synthetic Drugs and What You Need to Know
What are Synthetic Drugs?
Synthetic drugs are chemically laced substances akin to marijuana, cocaine and
methamphetamine that are sold over the counter at gas stations and “head shops” throughout
New York.
Based on their chemical make-up, these drugs are commonly divided into two categories:
Cannabinoids
Popularly known as K2 or Spice, cannabinoids are chemically formulated versions of synthetic
marijuana that consist of lab-manufactured THC. Cannabinoids are illegal to sell in the state of
NY. Being in possession or under the influence of Cannabinoids is not illegal in NY State.
Cathinones
Often known as Bath Salts, cathinones contain chemical compounds that mimic the effects of
cocaine or meth. Cathinones are illegal to sell and possess in NY State. Recent cases have
shown that Bath Salts have been replaced with the brand name Glass Cleaner and/or Turf
Cleaner, which have not yet been deemed illegal.
Spice Bath Salts
What do these drugs do?
Smoking synthetic pot can cause anxiety, paranoia, nausea and confusion in the short-term.
Bath salts can cause severe symptoms, including paranoia, violent behavior, agitation, loss of
appetite, loss of sleep, hyperawareness, increased body temperature, tightening blood vessels,
higher blood pressure as well as possible heart attack, psychosis and stroke.
Aren’t these drugs legal?
It is illegal to sell synthetic drugs in the State of New York. It is a banned substance on Fort
Drum. All military personnel are subject to UCMJ if they possess, ingest or distribute any
synthetic drug.
Why Are They So Dangerous?
One reason that synthetic drugs are extremely dangerous is that buyers don’t know what
chemicals they are ingesting. Individual products can contain a vast range of different chemical
formulations and potencies, some of which can be two to 500 times stronger than THC.