What Is Sprayed Weed - How to Identify Laced or Contaminated Cannabis

More than 61 million U.S. adults used marijuana in 2023, with 42 million reporting past-month use [1]. While laws surrounding the drug continue to change and more people are turning to marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, not all weed is safe. Marijuana may be treated with additives (sprayed weed) or mixed with dangerous substances to make it seem stronger or more appealing (laced weed). These added chemicals or drugs can put people at serious risk, triggering unexpected and harmful effects.

This page addresses questions like what is sprayed weed and laced weed, how to identify it, and the risks involved with using contaminated marijuana. You will also discover how to get compassionate and evidence-based treatment for substance abuse. 

What Does Laced Mean?

Laced weed is marijuana that has been mixed with other drugs or chemicals. Lacing can be done intentionally to increase the effects of the marijuana, make it seem stronger, and create a unique high. Drug suppliers might add various substances to the weed, from cocaine and PCP to meth or synthetic cannabinoids. The goal of lacing weed is to make low-grade marijuana appear more potent or valuable than it is.

Lacing poses a substantial risk to those using marijuana because it changes how the drug affects the body and mind. Adding substances can cause unpredictable reactions and may lead to dangerous side effects, especially for people who don’t know what they’re consuming. A joint laced with opioids, for instance, could trigger intense drowsiness or slowed breathing, while one mixed with stimulants like meth may lead to rapid heartbeat, intense anxiety, and hallucinations. Since laced weed often looks similar to natural weed, it can be hard to tell if the marijuana has been altered without close inspection.

What is Laced and Sprayed Cannabis?

Although the terms laced cannabis and sprayed cannabis are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. 

• Laced weed refers specifically to marijuana mixed with other drugs or psychoactive substances, altering its effects.
• Sprayed weed refers to marijuana treated with additives that don’t necessarily change the high but instead enhance its appearance, smell, or weight. Spraying is generally carried out to make the product more appealing to buyers. It is common in illegal markets, where dealers often focus on profit at the expense of quality and safety.

Many people using marijuana may have questions like “What does sprayed weed look like?” and “What does sprayed weed feel like?” Sprayed weed might be coated with sugar, hairspray, or harmful chemicals to give it a glossy look or a sticky feel, making it appear of higher quality. These substances are not usually intended to alter the high associated with weed, but they still pose health risks. Inhaling marijuana sprayed with pesticides or synthetic terpenes can provoke allergic reactions or respiratory issues [2]. 

Despite their differences, both laced and sprayed weed are dangerous because they expose people to unknown substances. Whether the additives are meant to alter the experience or improve the product’s appearance, they can lead to unexpected adverse outcomes.

Drugs and Substances Marijuana Can Be Laced With

There have been growing reports in the United States of fentanyl-laced weed. There is only anecdotal evidence of fentanyl weed, though. The DEA (United States Drug Enforcement Agency) has not issued warnings about fentanyl in weed. [3] Beyond this, burning destroys fentanyl, meaning it will have no effect when someone smokes it. Additionally, there is no profit to be made from lacing marijuana with fentanyl. 

Marijuana is often laced with synthetic cannabinoids, though. These are lab-made chemicals similar to THC—the psychoactive compound in marijuana—but much stronger. These synthetic drugs are often found in products like K2 or Spice, and while their legality varies by region, they are typically more dangerous than natural cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids can cause extreme side effects, from rapid heart rate and severe anxiety to psychosis. [4] 

Less commonly, weed may be laced with stimulants like cocaine or meth, which can increase the chance of addiction to more than one substance. 

Thankfully, laced marijuana remains relatively uncommon, especially with hard drugs like fentanyl, since most suppliers avoid mixing in deadly substances. Laced weed is even less of a concern in countries outside the United States. Despite this, there is still a danger from weed laced with synthetic cannabinoids due to evolving laws around synthetic substances readily exploited by drug suppliers. 

Effects of Laced Marijuana

The effects of laced marijuana can be much stronger and more unpredictable than natural cannabis. Since laced weed is often mixed with unknown drugs, people may feel unusual, intense, and sometimes dangerous reactions when consuming laced weed. Common effects include:

• Intense hallucinations: Laced weed may contain synthetic cannabinoids, PCP, or LSD, which can bring on frightening hallucinations. People may see or hear things that aren’t real, feel confused, or experience paranoia. For many, hallucinations may provoke panic attacks or severe anxiety, especially if the person didn’t expect these effects from using marijuana.
• Extreme sedation or relaxation: If marijuana is laced with opioids, people may feel deeply sedated and relaxed. This extreme drowsiness might make it hard to move or stay alert. In severe cases, it can slow heart rate and breathing.
• Increased energy and hyperactivity: Weed laced with CNS stimulants like meth or cocaine can cause people to feel jittery, hyperactive, and extremely alert. They may also experience racing thoughts, restlessness, and increased heart rate. This combination can make people anxious or lead to panic attacks, high blood pressure, or heart complications.
• Severe physical symptoms: When weed is sprayed with household chemicals like detergents or sand, people may experience coughing, throat irritation, and lung problems. Some of these chemicals are toxic, and inhaling them can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches, and breathing issues. In extreme cases, long-term exposure to these harmful substances can cause lasting respiratory damage.
• Dependence and addiction: Laced marijuana, which includes addictive substances like cocaine, meth, or opioids, can make people more likely to become dependent on these drugs. Over time, individuals who unknowingly consume these substances may start craving the added drug, increasing their risk of addiction. This cycle can quickly lead to a reliance on the drug, making it harder to quit and putting the person at increased risk of overdose.

Recognizing Laced or Sprayed Cannabis

Knowing how to recognize laced or sprayed marijuana can help people avoid these serious health risks. Although it can be difficult to tell just by looking at or smelling cannabis, there are a few signs that may indicate it has been altered:

• Unusual smell or taste: Natural cannabis has a strong, earthy smell, but if it smells overly chemical, like plastic, detergent, or perfume, it may be laced or sprayed. Some additives like hairspray or synthetic cannabinoids can leave a powerful, fake odor. If the cannabis tastes unusually bitter or metallic, it could be a sign of contamination.
• Odd appearance or texture: Laced or sprayed cannabis can look different from normal cannabis. Watch out for buds that appear too shiny, sticky, or coated with an unknown substance. Sometimes, substances like sugar or sand are added to make the weed feel heavier. Rubbing a small piece between your fingers or against a junky pair of sunglasses—where grains of sand would scratch—can help detect these contaminants.
• Unexpected or strong reactions: If you smoke weed and feel extreme effects like strong hallucinations, racing heartbeat, or intense dizziness, it might be laced with another drug. Reactions that are much stronger or completely different from what you expect could be a sign that cannabis contains something besides THC.
• Chemical residue: Residue in the packaging or on the buds, such as powdery, crystal-like grains, can also indicate contamination. These may be tiny particles of harmful substances like glass, talcum powder, or detergent. If there’s residue in the bag, it’s best to be cautious and avoid using the product.

How to Avoid Contaminated Cannabis

To stay safe, you can take steps to avoid laced or sprayed cannabis. Here are some tips: 

• Buy from trusted sources: One of the best ways to avoid contaminated cannabis is to buy from a reputable, licensed dispensary rather than unregulated street sources. Legal dispensaries are more likely to test their products for quality and safety, making it less likely that their cannabis is contaminated.
• Inspect the product: Before using cannabis, examine it closely for any signs of contamination, such as unusual smells, sticky or glossy textures, or visible particles. This extra step can help you catch contaminants before you use the product. Always be cautious of sticky or heavy-feeling buds, as these could indicate added chemicals.
• Avoid pre-ground or pre-rolled marijuana: Pre-ground or pre-rolled cannabis can sometimes hide contaminants more easily than whole buds, making it harder to spot any tampering. Buying whole buds and grinding them yourself is generally safer and allows you to inspect the product thoroughly before use.
• Trust your instincts: If something about the marijuana seems off or doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and avoid using it.
• Consider growing your own: In places where it’s legal, growing your cannabis can be a great way to ensure it’s pure and safe. By controlling the growing process, you avoid the risk of contaminants from unknown sources, and it can be a rewarding and safe way to enjoy medical marijuana without worry.  

By following these steps, individuals can greatly reduce their risk of using laced or sprayed cannabis and protect their health. Staying informed and vigilant about these potential dangers helps people make safer choices, ensuring a better and more controlled experience with medical marijuana. 

Get Effective Treatment for Substance Misuse at California Detox

If you have been misusing marijuana and you need help getting back on track, reach out to California Detox. We treat all addictions and mental health issues at our rehab in Laguna Beach, CA.

If you need help with marijuana withdrawal, our medical detoxification program provides continuous clinical and emotional care as you detox from marijuana. After a week, you will transition to ongoing inpatient treatment at our luxury beachside facility. 

All addictions are different, so all California Detox treatment plans are personalized to reflect this. Therapies may include: 

• Counseling
• Motivational therapy
• Talk therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Aftercare

Begin your recovery from weed addiction by calling 888-995-4208. 

Sources

[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt47100/NSDUHDetailedTabs2023/NSDUHDetailedTabs2023/2023-nsduh-detailed-tables-sect1pe.htm 

[2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318020615_Contaminants_of_Concern_in_Cannabis_Microbes_Heavy_Metals_and_Pesticides 

[3] https://drugfree.org/article/marijuana-and-fentanyl/ 

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6450675/