1.
Running head: SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 1
Synthetic Drugs: Is there a Solution?
Lacey Desper
Ottawa University
HUS 35000
Social Welfare

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 2
Abstract
A look, at synthetic drugs; and the harms they cause to the people that use them. Why they have
grown in popularity over an extremely short period of time. Why, current legislative means have
been incapable of hindering their expansion; then a look at organizations looking to help stop
and keep the public knowledgeable about the subject.

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 3
Synthetic Drugs: Is there a Solution?
When you look at the wealth of knowledge that we have before us these days, sometimes
it makes you wonder how people make such ill-informed decisions. In the case of synthetic drugs
it is our youth and younger population that are getting the short end the stick. In a country where
at least one half of the 318 million population of the United States have tried marijuana at least
once in their life time it makes you wonder why is it illegal? Though, this is not a paper that is
pushing for the legalization of marijuana at least not in the traditional sense. I want to take a hard
look at synthetic drugs with specific attention to cathinones and a quick look at cannabinoids. To
show you what the world of illicit drug use looks like when it has to be underground marketed
and sold.
Synthetic drugs is not a topic that you hear about much in the United States and it could
be because it is produced and sold by some of the larger corporations with interests in American
politics in China. It could be that reasonable efforts have been made but, have proved inefficient.
A good example is the constant railings you see against smoking cigarettes, while we all know
that it is bad for you. It does not do as much damage to society as the ads would lead you to
believe. We should note a general distinction between illicit drugs and synthetic drugs, the big
distinction is synthetic drugs are legally sold in the United States and illicit drugs are the ones in
which the war on drugs has moved to suppress, with excessive amounts of failure.
The purpose of this paper is to explain to you the difference between the drugs you
already know and the new emerging synthetic drugs. To explain, the difference in the harms that
they can create and pose a simple question. Is enough being done to stop synthetic drugs in the
United States? Why are the more harmful products legal? Why are no organizations popping up
to rail against synthetics like they have overseas?

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 4
Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are as they seem synthetic cannabis or marijuana. It is smoked in
the same manner as marijuana in cigarettes and pipes. Though, it is not marijuana. In fact it is
dead plant materials sometimes, even the cathinones mentioned above sprayed with a synthetic
THC. They are current sold all over the world in gas stations and new age shops and in other
retail locations. They are marketed as incense and once again are not regulated by any US
Agency because they state they are “not for human consumption.” Common street names for
cannabinoids are black mamba, bliss, K2, spice, moon rocks an skunk.
Cannabinoids have found themselves extremely possible within the younger crowd
within the United States; especially since it creates highs that when compared to marijuana and
THC is about 50 times more potent. The attempt to regulate and control cannabinoids has failed
so immensely that legislatures do not know what the next steps to be taken are. “Drug laws
originally did not control synthetic cannabinoids, which were legally obtainable from head shops
and gas stations. The Office of National Drug Control Policy and Department of Justice created
laws against them but they do not fully regulate usage because new cannabinoid derivatives are
constantly replacing banned chemicals in spice.” (Wilson, B., B.A., Tavakoli, H., M.D.,
DeCecchis, D., M.D., & Mahadev, V. 2013)
Cathinones
Cathinones are a brand of synthetic drugs commonly called bath salts; it has street names
like bloom, cloud nine, ivory wave, vanilla sky and white lightning. They come in forms such as
bath salts, plant food, and plant feeders. These products are labeled as “not for human
consumption” in turn these ingredients are not regulated by the FDA or any organization for that
matter. They are not tested for toxicity and are not regulated in any means. “As long as a

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 5
particular compound is not controlled, packages containing it may be purchased through a
number of venues, such as head shops, convenience stores, gas stations, certain tobacco shops,
and on the Internet. As online shops are well known for their flexibility and rapid adaptation to
changes in the legal status of psychoactive substances and particular needs of consumers, no
wonder that in recent years they have emerged as an important marketplace for NPD.” (Beaman,
J., D. Zawilska, J. B., & Wojcieszak 2013) These synthetic cathinones stimulate the same type
of high as MDMA, Meth and Cocaine.
The first evidence of cathinones was in Japan in 2006, Germany in 2007 and it appeared
in Finland in 2008. In 2008 they had already found and categorized over 30 types of cathinones.
In Europe and the United Kingdom they have attempted to legislate and regulate cathinones and
have failed miserably. The moment a compound becomes regulated, the companies mostly in
China alter the formula and avoid the regulations and restrictions. They currently expect that
there are over 50 current cathinones that we are not yet aware of. Law Officials in the UK have
essentially stated that regulation is impossible and pointless.
Who is affected by Synthetic Drugs?
In reality we only have ourselves to blame for the current issues that are plaguing us with
synthetic drugs. We have in some means succeeded in making people afraid of obtaining illicit
drugs though dealers and in this fear synthetic drugs were born. Who would risk buying illegal
drugs when they can legally obtain them over the counter at a convince store. This is the attitude
that most people who consume synthetic drugs have. In fact, they can even be purchased legally
on the internet and be shipped directly to your house. In Fact, “Although synthetic drug users do
include adults over the age of 30, 60% of cases involve individuals aged 25 and younger,
according to the AAPCC. Recent studies also indicate that synthetic drugs are emerging drugs of

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 6
abuse for college students and young military personnel” (Bebarta, Ramirez, & Varney, 2012;
Hu, Primack, Barnett, & Cook, 2011).
Why are synthetic drugs more harmful?
There is a short answer and a long answer to this question, the short answer is that the
synthetic drugs are more potent and have extreme high chances of overdose potential. When you
relate this to how drugs are currently used it creates an extreme problem. When you buy drugs
illicitly it is generally bought from a dealer, and dealers take care of their customers. They
explain how much to use, how to use and how to know if you have had enough, they don’t want
their customers to overdose it is bad for business. This is not the case with the synthetic drugs
being sold as “not for human consumption” which have no instructions and no information on
dose regulation. It leads to an unknowledgeable consumer who uses the products without the
knowledge necessary to use the drugs correctly.
The long answer to this question is the long list of side effects that come with these
drugs; which, appears to be the case in man-made substances. “According to the American
Association of Poison Control Centers, the number of calls related to bath salt exposure received
by poison control centers across the country increased by more than 20-fold in 2011 alone, up
from 304 incidents in 2010 to 6,138 in 2011.” (Wilson, B., B.A., Tavakoli, H., M.D., DeCecchis,
D., M.D., & Mahadev, V., B.S. 2013) This shows that use of these drugs is not only becoming
more widely popular but is also becoming more dangerous. It might also be worth notating that
in 2011 there were a documented 128 deaths from synthetic drugs. While this number might
seem low to you; it is important to notate that these drugs are not tested for during toxicology
screens post mortem.

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 7
Current Legislation
A good example of how new these issues are and how many still needs to be done is the
limited legislation that has actually been passed in regards to synthetic drugs. While, there are
websites like drugfree.org and the American Academy of Pediatrics have released information
on their webpages about the issues with these drugs the Drug Enforcement Agency has added a
ban on the materials but, can do very little about limiting the sale of the times. The American
Association of Poison Control has released a statement saying that in 2011 they received 4,500
calls on over doses of synthetic drugs alone.
While there have been 43 states that have passed some kind of legislation, all of them
have attempted to take control of the situation and have seemingly failed. An article from the
Partnership for Drug Free Kids notates that while synthetics are illegal in Missouri, they are still
being sold in gas stations.
The federal government has done little more then put the synthetic drugs on the
Controlled Substance Act and created a Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act in 2012. All of
this legislation has been signed into office by President Obama, not one piece of this legislation
has been voted on by congress or the senate; they have both been executive orders. While they
have listed 26 synthetic drugs as Schedule 1 Substance’s on the Controlled Substance Act. There
are at current about 54 known synthetic drugs. Even, if they put them all on the Controlled
Substance List there is not much that can be done to stop the problem.
Lastly another great hurdle to ending the abuse of synthetic drugs is their great pull in the
fact that they cannot be tested for in drug laboratories. In fact, “The original attraction of
synthetic bath salts and marijuana was that they do not show up in drug screening. These are now

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 8
the drug of choice for those required to undergo regular drug urinalysis testing,” (Jerry, Collins,
& Streem, 2012).
Though I recently got a job at Quest Diagnostics in the Toxicology department that deals
with drug screens, ranging from pre-employment, random, reasonable/suspicion and DOT test
scans, and an interesting email came through my inbox the other day. I have attached it as
Appendix 1 at the end of the paper. It was an email explaining how to sell some new testing
supplies and test codes to callers should they call and ask about information on synthetic drug
testing. So, there may be a solution on the horizon that will put a dent in synthetic drug use.
Organizations in the Know- National Level
While, there are a few current organizations who have taken up the banner against
synthetic drugs all of them have other priorities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a
good amount of information on their website about synthetic drugs but, is currently working to
deal with the “Ebola threat.”
The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) the one who rights all the legislation on
federal drug testing policies has released a few articles about synthetic drugs though, they are all
mostly just on knowledge about harms and side effects and a need for more information. It
would seem that the current campaign of awareness and prevention that they are running would
be on opiates or prescription drug abuse.
There is also a seventy page pdf called the National Synthetic Drug Action Plan that was
published by the White House which was issued in 2004. Though this is long before synthetic
drugs became a main stream issue and seems to be the most I can find on awareness and plans of
action in relation to synthetic drugs, aside from adding them to the Controlled Substance Abuse

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 9
Act. All of the resources are cited from 2003 and 2004 and is honestly not the even the same
entity as the synthetic drugs we see on the shelves today.
I also found a National Youth Synthetic Drug Awareness Campaign that is run in Iowa. It
looks to be dedicated to three teens that died of synthetic drug overdoses in 2013. Though, even
in the page dedicated to the death of this Iowa Teen, it is notated that there is not much that
legislation can do to help the problem. It notates that the Iowa legislature moved to make K2 or
synthetic cathinones illegal but the manufactory quickly changed the recipe and put it back on
the shelves labeled K3, followed by K4 and K5.
Organizations in the Know- Local Level
I googled Kansas City and Synthetic drugs and I was pleasantly surprised to see how
many current stories there were on the local news websites about synthetic drugs. I found a few
on KMBC a few on FOX and on KCTV 5. Though, I think the way that they are addressing the
issues in their casts is inadequate and lacking.
They showed places in which they have found K2 different names in which they have
been sold in and showed what the packaging looked like. In essence anyone who did not know
about synthetic cannabinoids now has all the information they need to go find the drugs. Even, if
they are cracking down on stores selling the materials, it is a no risk for buyers you cannot go to
jail for buying something legally sold over the counter.
Rather than giving the general public all the information they need to buy a product
instead the news should be explaining why they are having such issues and what the side effects
of these drugs are. I would also like to see some websites pop up about proper use of these
products and a link to them on their product. This would go a long way to save lives and prevent
overdoses.

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 10
A Solution and a Conclusion
In conclusion, it would seem that legislation has failed, that public awareness and
knowledge has failed. That people who want to get high will get high and they will choose
dangerous substances over the illegal substances any day. It begs a question on if the United
States should just cave to public pressures and legalize drugs across the board; if only in the
interest of public safety.
When substances are sold unregulated and uncontrolled it leads to deaths and improper
usage that has devastating and monumental side effects for us all. As a society, we have decided
to make it look like we care, while simultaneously doing nothing. It makes you wonder if public
welfare is not a concern for the government why are drugs so heavily regulated and controlled in
the United States and how much has the War on Drugs cost us. It can all be traced back to the
money. The government currently sees more money in tickets and prosecutions then they think
they can get by legalization and so for the meantime, this problem will not go away. Though, the
War on Drugs and the money trail is a story for another day.
What is left for us at the end of the day with all current methods of dealing with a
solution like this become null and void? It is a question that I sadly do not have an answer for.
Public awareness and public knowledge for usage and harms would go a long way for overdose
and death prevention but, until this country changes the way in which it deals with drugs. This is
a problem that will continue to grow and amass even larger casualties.

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 11
References
Beaman, J., D. Zawilska, J. B., & Wojcieszak, J. (2013). Designer cathinones--an emerging class
of novel recreational drugs. Forensic Science International (Online), 231(1), 42-53.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.04.015
Bebarta, V. S., Ramirez, S., Varney, S. M. (2012). Spice: A new “legal” herbal mixture abused
by young active duty military personnel. Substance Abuse, 33(2), 191-194.
Desper, Lacey (2014) How to Deal with Synthetic Drugs. Ottawa University, HUS35000 Social
Welfare and Human Services.
Desper, Lacey (2014) Synthetic Drugs: A Legal Alternative. Ottawa University, Critical
Thinking and Writing.
Hassen, G. W., & Kalantari, H. (2013). Synthetic drugs: Time to ring the warning bell? The
American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 31(12), 1714.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2013.09.016
Jerry, J., Collins, G., Streem, D. (2012). Synthetic legal intoxicating drugs: The emerging
‘incense’ and ‘bath salt’ phenomenon. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 79(4), 258-
264.
Law Against Synthetic Drugs in Missouri Has Not Stopped Sales. (2012, March 27). Retrieved
September 20, 2014. URL: http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/law-against-synthetic-
drugs-in-missouri-has-not-stopped-sales/
Loeffler, G.,M.C.U.S.N., Hurst, D.,M.C.U.S.N., Penn, A.,M.C.U.S.N., & Yung,
K.,M.C.U.S.N.R. (2012). Spice, bath salts, and the U.S. military: The emergence of
synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists and cathinones in the U.S. armed forces. Military

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 12
Medicine, 177(9), 1041-8. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1039296634?accountid=50623
Mckee, L. (2013, November 4). Synthetic Drug Information. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
URL: http://www.signaturebehavioralhealthcare.net/synthetic-drug-information/
O., & Hayes,Erin E., M.S.,IV. (2013). Bath salts: Synthetic cathinones. Psychiatric Times, 30(6),
1. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1372463912?accountid=50623
Office of National Drug Control Policy; Synthetic Drugs (a.k.a. K2, Spice, Bath Salts, etc.).
(n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2014. URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/ondcp-
fact-sheets/synthetic-drugs-k2-spice-bath-salts
Partnership for Drug Free Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2014. URL:
http://www.drugfree.org/get-involved/
Wilson, B., B.A., Tavakoli, H., M.D., DeCecchis, D., M.D., & Mahadev, V., B.S. (2013).
Synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, and other emerging drugs of abuse.
Psychiatric Annals, 43(12), 558-564. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3928/00485713-20131206-
08

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 13
Appendix I
POSITIONING – SyntheticCannabinoidsPanel Expansion
1) Describetheproduct. What isit? List some wordsthat describe.
This is a test for synthetic cannabinoids with a urine specimen using liquid chromatography
tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) instruments. The existing panel tests for 10
analytes detecting use of 7 different parent compounds, and is now being expanded to
detect 10 additional parent compounds fora grand total of 17. Other words for Synthetic
Cannabinoids are K2, Spice, fake weed, and designer drugs. (see existing Quest sell sheet)
2) Why doesit solvemarketproblems?
The number of different synthetic cannabinoid compounds being sold in the U.S. has
increased from just 4 in 2009 to over100 possible substances in 2014. These drugs are
expanding in use, especially among young adults. Quest’s prior panel targets the most
popular compounds, but there are a number of others that are growing in popularity. This
expansion will produce more positive results, helping employers to maintain a safe,
productive workplace. It willalso serve as a better deterrent for users, whomight
otherwise suspect the drug they are using won’t be detected.
3) When do they needit?
Employers willuse this test for synthetic drugs when they want to increase the
effectivenessof drug screening programs and deter use of these synthetic drugs. If the
added cost is an obstacle, employers can chooseto limit utilization of the panel for certain
reasons such as for cause, follow-up,return to duty,and/or post-accident.
4) Key Featuresand Benefits. Differentiators:whatmakesit special ordifferent?
 Quest Diagnostics’ standard synthetic cannabinoids panel now tests foruse of 17 of the
most common parent compounds to find more positives and deter the use of these harmful
substances.
 This test can be an add-on withany other urine test panels.
 Clients can continue to rely on timely, accurate test results using our “in house” test.
 Our laboratory certificationsand accreditations lead the industry and include SAMHSA
(urine), CAP-FDT(oral fluid, urine and hair) and New YorkState (oral fluid, urine, and hair)
where applicable.
5) Valueproposition
This enhanced test is for employers who want to improve workplacesafety and
productivity by deterring the use of synthetic cannabinoids, which are not detected by
standard substance abuse panels. Now with the ability to detect 17 of the most commonly
abused compounds, Quest’s standard in house synthetic cannabinoids panel is competitive
with many expanded panels offeredby competing labs, and the newly added analytes are
being offeredat no additional charge. This panel can easily be added to other urine test
panels in whichevertesting situations the employer chooses.

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 14
Appendix II
20-17 16-14 13-10 9-0 Poi
nts
Topic Topic, ideas and
argument are
clearly stated for
the intended
audience. Shows
synthesis of topic.
Topic, ideas and
argument are pretty
clear for the
intended audience,
but needs
sharpening.
Interprets topic and
shows an
understanding of
material.
Topic, ideas and
argument are not
stated though one
might be able to infer
the ideas. Topic may
be understood but is
not explained clearly.
Topic, ideas and
argument are not
stated, and it is difficult
to find any meaning for
the project, Or many
meanings are stuck in
at random.
/20
40-32 31-25 24-17 16-0
Content Ideas and examples
are coherent (ideas
follow a logical
order and are
connected to each
other). Transitions
clearly show
relationship
between ideas and
topics. Synthesizes
and Evaluates
information in
relation to course
content. Conclusion
echoes or
summarizes the
thesis and leaves
the intended reader
satisfied. All
questions are
answered in depth
per assignment
requirements.
Same as prior, but
concepts needs
sharpening and
hence does not
guide the project as
clearly. Ideas are
abstract. Most of
the ideas and
examples in the
outline develop and
support the project.
One or more idea
needs tightening.
Analyzes
information in
relation to course
content. Most ideas
and examples follow
in a logical order
and are connected
to each other
bringing some unity
and coherence. The
conclusion
summarizes main
points, but needs
polish. Most
assignment
questions are
answered.
Project is choppy and
rough .No identifiable
logical order or
connection between
ideas or thoughts. No
conclusion or
summation- the
project is unfinished.
Shows a general
comprehension of
information in relation
to course content by
little analysis is
apparent.
Same as prior, but no
effort is made by the
writer to complete the
project in a meaningful
manner. Ideas and
thoughts don't connect
with one another, Or
the entire effort
revolves around one
vague idea. Shows
little identification of
information in relation
to course content.
/4
0
20-17 16-14 13-10 9-0
Presentation Argument is
developed to
"show," that is, to
be concrete and
scenic with
narrative rather
than just "tell" with
abstract exposition.
Concrete examples,
quotations,
anecdotes,
descriptions,
images etc. are
fully developed in
effective proportion
to support the ideas
of the project. The
presentation grabs
the reader’s
Same as prior, but
examples are not as
vivid, and some of
the points remain at
the telling or
abstract level.
Some good
examples of
"show," but the
project overall is
not consistent in
presentation.
Research remains
stuck at the abstract
level. Ideas are not
supported with solid
research.
One idea maybe
apparent in
presentation-or one
example, but nothing is
developed.
/20

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS: IS THERE A SOLUTION? 15
attention.
20-17 16-14 13-10 9-0
Mechanics Writing uses
Standard Edited
American English.
Language and
diction are
appropriate to
audience. Follows
rules for grammar,
spelling and usage.
Writing has a
polished and
elegant style. APA
formatting is
present to include a
title page,
introduction and
conclusion with
references as
required by the
assignment.
Same as prior, but
with a few minor
lapses. Follows
rules for grammar,
spelling and usage
with a few
typographical
errors. Writing
style tends to be a
little rough in spots.
APA formatting is
somewhat present
to include a title
page, introduction
and conclusion with
references as
required by the
assignment,
although formatting
may be off.
Writing seeks to follow
Standard American
English for the most
part, but language is
often inappropriate for
audience. Errors in
grammar, spelling and
usage interfere with
understanding. APA
formatting is present
but inadequate or
severely deficient.
Writing fails to show
any skill in
following Standard
Edited American
English. Major errors in
grammar, spelling and
usage make
understanding very
difficult. APA
formatting is not
present.
/20