Recognizing Laced Weed: What Does It Look Like?

What is Laced Weed?

So, what exactly is laced weed? Well, it refers to marijuana that has been intentionally and secretly mixed with other chemical substances or drugs. These substances can range from other illegal drugs to harmful chemicals. Some of the most mostly used substances to lace weed include:

Illegal drugs:

• Cocaine
• Fentanyl
• Methamphetamine
• Ketamine
• Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Synthetic cannabinoids
• Opioids

Chemicals or metals

• Formaldehyde
• Lead or other heavy metals
• Glass
• Detergent
• Embalming fluid
• Insecticides

Why is weed laced?

There are mainly two main reasons why weed is laced with other substances. The first one is to enhance profits. This is because adding other substances like detergent can bulk up the amount of the original product (in this case, marijuana) so that it can weigh more, and dealers can earn more profits. 

The other reason is to alter the psychoactive effects of marijuana, which can be diminished or enhanced. The recent reports of fentanyl-laced weed are a good example. 

Most of the time, marijuana is laced up with non-psychoactive substances like glass, detergent, and insecticides just to bulk up the product, rather than with other psychoactive drugs (E.g., cocaine, LSD). However, when their dealers want to sell poor-quality weed, they can mix it up with other drugs to potentiate the psychoactive effects. 

How Do Drugs Get Mixed? 

Most of the time, weed is mixed with other substances during the processing phase. However, sometimes, these other substances can be added after the weed has been processed but before they are sold to consumers. The lacing process is not too complex, as it can be as simple as mixing some marijuana with detergent.

Signs and Symptoms of Laced Marijuana Consumption

Consuming laced weed can result in a wide range of symptoms that are unexpected from regular marijuana use. This is because these signs and symptoms are due to the other drug or substance rather than marijuana itself. Some of the most common manifestations are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness 
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe headaches
• Tingling 
• Excessive paranoia
• Anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Increased heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Seizures

How to Identify Laced Marijuana

Sometimes, identifying laced weed can be challenging. However, there are certain characteristics and signs that may help you to determine when weed is mixed up with other substances. The most important clue is often the way weed looks, but some other subtle changes in the way it smells or feels can help you determine if you are in front of laced marijuana. 

Visual: What Does Laced Weed Look Like?

The appearance of weed is probably the most helpful sensory cue that can help you identify when you are in front of laced weed that has been degraded. Some of the clues that may indicate the presence of contaminants are:

• Overall appearance: Marijuana usually comes in buds that are typically uniform in appearance. If there is no uniformity in color, texture, or shape, chances are that it is laced weed. Similarly, Marijuana usually has a clear and vibrant appearance. If you find it dull, muted, or overly shiny, that is considered a red flag.

• Unusual colors: The natural color of marijuana is green with some mix of orange, brown, and even purple sometimes. If you see the presence of a bright white powder, that may suggest that the weed has been laced with cocaine, methamphetamine, or even crushed pills. In addition, the presence of dark spots may point to the presence of oil or tar-like contaminants. Finally, if there are unusual colors like blue or red, this indicates synthetic cannabinoids or other chemicals.

• Appearance of trichomes and leaves: Trichomes usually appear evenly distributed. If they are overly concentrated in some areas or if there are excessive crystals and a powdery substance on the surface of the buds, it may suggest that the weed has been laced. Similarly, leaves should appear healthy and consistent with the rest of the bud. If they appear discolored, stiff, or overly dry, it suggests contamination.

• Presence of foreign particles: If you spot any foreign particles, debris, residues, or dust, it may indicate that the weed has been contaminated with harmful non-plant material. 

Although these visual cues may be extremely useful, they are not definitive, and some other characteristics may need to be taken into account to identify laced marijuana.

Other ways of recognizing Laced Weed

Several other characteristics can help you recognize laced weed besides visual cues. Some of these include: 

• Unusual texture: Marijuana can be naturally sticky. However, an overly sticky or greasy feel might be a red flag. Similarly, a dehydrated and brittle texture can indicate using substances that have dried out the plant. Finally, a powdery texture is not compatible with normal marijuana, and it suggests the presence of powdered drugs. 

• Smell: Pure marijuana has a distinctive aroma, which can be earthy, skunky, or sweet, so a chemical or synthetic strong odor would be unusual. Moreover, a harsh or acrid smell when the weed is burned may indicate that it has been contaminated with other substances.

• Taste: When consumed, marijuana gives an earthy or herbal flavor, thus a chemical. bitter or metallic taste would be unusual. Furthermore, a harsh or unpleasant taste that irritates is a red flag and is a sign of impurity with other chemical substances. 

• Unusual effects after consumption:

- Rapid onset of symptoms

- Getting uncharacteristically high

- Having physical discomfort

- Experiencing severe anxiety, hallucinations, or sedation

- Having unusual nausea, vomiting, or chills

Risks of Consuming Laced Weed

As we have discussed, weed can be contaminated with different substances. The consumption of laced weed can have adverse effects on your health, which, depending on the substance, can be devastating. 

Probably the most feared risk of consuming laced weed is experiencing an overdose of a potent drug such as fentanyl. Getting an overdose of Fentanyl-laced weed can lead to respiratory depression and unconsciousness, which may be fatal in some cases. 

Apart from overdose, some other risks and consequences can happen when laced weed is consumed. Some examples of these risks and the substances responsible for them are: 

Safety Tips Regarding Laced Weed

Although consuming weed is, in general, not advisable due to the consequences it may have in your life, it is still very common in our society. However, consuming laced weed is more harmful and even life-threatening. Therefore, ensuring safety and prevention measures to avoid the risks of laced weed is crucial. 

Some safety tips that can help minimize the risk of laced marijuana are:

• Avoid street purchases from untrusty sources.
• Inspect before consuming it.
• Use of a home testing kit to detect contaminants in marijuana
• Stay informed with community warnings about laced marijuana
• Educate yourself on the common signs of laced weed
• Have a safety plan
• Seek professional help and try to quit marijuana

Conclusion 

The consumption of laced weed can have severe consequences for people who may not even be aware they are using contaminated marijuana. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of the harmful risks of laced weed alongside helpful tips on how to identify and prevent its consumption. 

Better addiction care is here for you. If you feel like you or one of your loved ones are struggling with marijuana, do not hesitate to call our helpline at (800) 429-7690, which is available 24/7. If you experience an emergency regarding laced weed, please call 911 immediately.