Synthetic Cannabinoids & Inhalants
Comprehensive Substance Reference & Harm Reduction Guide
Synthetic Cannabinoids & Inhalants
GUIDE-WIDE SAFETY NOTICE: This guide is for recognition, harm-reduction, and emergency-reference purposes. Appearance alone cannot reliably identify a substance. Counterfeit pills, powders, vapes, edibles, and street mixtures may contain unexpected drugs. Do not taste, smell closely, burn, or handle an unknown substance to identify it. If poisoning is possible, contact Poison Control (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or 911 for severe symptoms.
9. Synthetic Cannabinoids & Inhalants
| Substance | Appearance, Route & Intoxication | Physical Side Effects | Severe Toxicity / Overdose & Response |
| Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice) | Sprayed plant material, papers, liquids, vapes. Smoked, vaped, ingested. Anxiety, confusion, paranoia. | Fast heart rate, high BP, nausea/vomiting, sweating, tremor, chest discomfort. | Overdose: Seizures, severe agitation/psychosis, kidney injury, arrhythmia, collapse. Response: 911 for severe symptoms. Calm environment, avoid unnecessary physical restraint. |
| Inhalants (Solvents, Aerosols, Glues, Dusters) | Aerosol cans (difluoroethane dusters), glue, paint thinner, gasoline. Inhaled/huffed. Dizziness, slurred speech. | Headache, nausea, chemical irritation of eyes/airways, irregular heartbeat. | Overdose: Sudden cardiac arrest ("sniffing death"), asphyxia, seizures, coma, trauma from falls. Response: Call 911. Move to fresh air without exposing yourself to fumes. CPR/AED if indicated. |
| Volatile Anesthetics (Ether, Chloroform) | Liquid solvents. Inhaled. Rapid central nervous system depression, anesthesia, dizziness. | Dizziness, respiratory irritation, nausea, unconsciousness, severe skin irritation. | Overdose: Respiratory arrest, profound hypotension, cardiac arrest, asphyxiation. Response: 911 immediately, move to fresh air, provide artificial respiration if not breathing. |
| Nitrites ("Poppers") | Small volatile liquid bottles. Inhaled. Flushing, headache, dizziness, rapid heart rate. | Headache, flushing, dizziness, low BP, nausea; impairs oxygen delivery (methemoglobinemia). | Overdose: Dangerously low BP, fainting, methemoglobinemia (blue/gray color). Response: Fresh air, sit/lie down safely. 911 for blue/gray skin, breathing trouble, or chest pain. |