What are synthetic drugs?

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 5-Jun-2015

If you are like most Dallas residents, then you probably know that marijuana and cocaine are considered illegal drugs. However, are you familiar with the term, "synthetic drugs?" You may not be aware of exactly what synthetic drugs are. Some people consider Texas' legal definition of synthetic drugs somewhat broad and therefore a little confusing.

The Texas Controlled Substances Act considers any chemical compound whose pharmacological effects mimic that of marijuana to be a synthetic drug. The law makes it illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess these compounds. However, these compounds are widely sold over the Internet and throughout the state, some in places as common as gas stations, as everyday products.

One popular form of this drug that you may have seen is called spice. This is marketed as a potpourri and consists of an herbal mixture sprayed with a chemical concoction. The concoction contains cannabinoid compounds that are created in a lab. Other synthetic drugs may be sold as bath salts or incense. The packages are brightly colored and usually state that the product is not for human consumption.

People who ingest these synthetic drugs like them because they don't show up in a regular drug test. Despite the popularity these drugs have, you should be aware that these chemicals can be dangerous. Countless people have gone to their local hospital with heart problems or due to a drug overdose after consuming a small amount. In some cases, people have died. As a result, lawmakers apply the same penalties to these drugs that they do to street-sold drugs.