Spice: A Deadly Flavor to Avoid

The term “man-made” has taken a turn for the worst. Men are not only making useful items such as cars and toasters anymore, but they are taking drug-making to a deadly level. Synthetic drugs are becoming the new norm, but it’s actually doing more harm than good—especially one known as “Spice.” Other street names for Spice include Scooby Snax, Cloud 9, Fake Pot, and Marley, Moon Rock and Skunk among others.

Spice is a man-made drug which can be simply described as marijuana mixed with a medley of other chemicals. As the companies making this drug varies, so does the chemical cocktail that they choose to mix in with the marijuana. This synthetic marijuana carries devastating consequences for the brain and body, which can ultimately end in death. Some side effects include convulsions, hallucinations, seizure, paralysis, kidney failure, and brain swelling–but the list doesn’t end there.

Death was the end result for 19-year-old Conner Reid Eckhardt after trying Spice. Since this synthetic marijuana is legally and readily available in stores, it was easy for Conner to make a purchase. Almost immediately after taking a hit, he experienced a negative reaction to the drug. He was later hospitalized and was in a coma for four days–he never came out of it.

It’s mind-boggling that such a dangerous and deadly drug is readily available in most stores across America. The easy access of Spice is putting more and more teens, and adults alike, in grave danger. According to an article posted on Godvine.com:

“Hospital emergency rooms are seeing more and more visits from people becoming harmed by Spice.”

Yet, it seems no one is paying attention. There is no haste to take the drugs off the market.

So, how can you help?

First, refuse to purchase the drug for yourself or anyone else. Secondly, spread the news in your corner of the world, in whatever way you can. Conner’s mom chose to create a website in honor of her son as well as a means to educate the vast majority. The website, thedirtiestkeptsecret.org, is dedicated to making a difference in the number of people Spice is sending to the emergency room. If more people know about the deadly effects of this drug, then they’ll think twice about taking it.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

How will you choose to make a difference?