Synthetic Cannabinoid Usage among College Students: The Example of K2 and Spice Page: 21
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marijuana usage (which the researchers operationalized as 20 or more occasions within the past
30 days) among college students has been found to be rather modest, with male and females
reporting cannabis usage rates of 6.9% and 3.6%, respectively (Johnston et al., 2010). Relatedly,
cannabis use among college students typically peaks during one's freshman year and gradually
declines throughout their collegiate career (Jackson, Sher, & Wood, 2000).
Strengths and Weaknesses of Previous Research
Due to the relatively recent occurrence of the synthetic cannabinoid phenomenon, the
amount of available literature related to herbal mixtures containing these compounds is
admittedly sparse and limited in several aspects. These factors include the fact that a majority of
research originates almost exclusively from European countries. There also exists an over-
reliance on anecdotal evidence, as well as lack of empirical research related to the actual
incidence of synthetic cannabinoid usage among populations most prone to drug usage.
Foremost in the discussion is the issue regarding a lack of research within the U.S.
Although the information obtained by studies examining synthetic cannabis within European
countries has proven to be invaluable, patterns of substance abuse vary significantly from
country to country and Spice, K2, and comparable products are likely no exception. Furthermore,
recent research appears to rely heavily on anecdotal rather than empirical evidence. The
aforementioned Psychonaut Web Mapping Project, for example, relies heavily on information
obtained from chat rooms and web forums rather than surveying individuals in order to obtain
information regarding whether or not herbal mixtures such as Spice and K2 are preferred over
natural cannabis, their commonly reported side effects, as well as how users are able to obtain
such products.21
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Stephens, Jason L. Synthetic Cannabinoid Usage among College Students: The Example of K2 and Spice, thesis, August 2011; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc84283/m1/28/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .