This month's edition in the ongoing DNA legal series discusses spice drug testing - specifically, the legal and personal implications of spice drug abuse. We've also covered mephedrone, methadone, MDMA, benzodiazepines, and more.
Spice is a synthetic cannabinoid sold illegally on the streets. It is classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Like all other Class Bi drugs, possession of spice can result in up to 5 years in prison and an unlimited fine. Producing and supplying can result in up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
What's Spice?
Just because cannabinoid is in the name, it's not related to cannabinoids. It isn't just a single drug - instead, spice is produced using laboratory chemicals and chemically inactive plant material to mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Mimic is the keyword - unlike THC, which only binds partially to receptors, spice binds more fully and creates a more intense high. Although the name is a synthetic cannabinoid, there's nothing pure about this drug, making it extremely dangerous.
Different brands contain different levels of chemical components. Brand names you might hear about include:
- K2
- Black Mamba
- Joker
Depending on the dose - or 'hit' - users experience rapid heart rate, panic attacks, difficulty breathing, sweating, etc. In extreme doses, the effects can cause loss of sensation in the limbs and unconsciousness.
Will Spice Show on a Drug Test?
Yes, spice can show up on a drug test. Unfortunately, spice won't show on a 5 or 10-panel drug test, but a court-directed test may be requested specifically testing for spice if it's for cases like child custody. Standard panel drug tests don't have the capabilities to test for synthetic drugs as of yet, and the chemical structure of synthetic cannabidiol is nothing like THC, which does show on a 5 or 10-panel drug test.
How Long is Spice Detectable in Your System?
Spice detection varies based on the test and the person. The following table shows you how long spice is detectable in your system depending on the type of test:
| Body System | Detection Time |
|---|---|
| Urine | Up to 72 hours |
| Blood | Up to 48 hours |
| Fingernails | From 3 to 6 months |
| Hair | Up to 90 days or more |
These are approximate times. It will depend on the type of spice ingested and the test brand.
See the section 'What Factors Influence Spice Detection' to learn how the individual plays a role in whether spice is detectable.
What Tests Will Detect Spice?
There are four tests legal and healthcare professionals can use to detect spice misuse. Unlike other segments in the ongoing DNA Legal series about drug misuse, we've not included saliva testing because there's no accurate saliva test to detect recent spice misuse, and saliva tests only have the ability to detect recent use if they can.
Here are more specifics on the tests that can detect recent and ongoing spice misuse:
Urine Test
A urine test will detect spice misuse for up to 72 hours. They're convenient and easy to do.
Blood Test
Legal and healthcare professionals could also ask for a blood test, which detects spice misuse for up to 48 hours. The detection window is slightly shorter, so it isn't typically requested by the court. It is more common for a blood test to happen at a police station after an incident alongside a urine test.
Hair Test
A Hair drug test is one of the most accurate and unavoidable in that the chemicals bind to the keratine fibers in the hair, making spice misuse detectable for up to 90 days or more. The only difference is legal or healthcare professionals will have to wait 2-3 weeks after spice ingestion for it to be detectable in the keratine fiber. After that, every 1cm of hair reflects one month, so you can almost accurately assume when a user last ingested spice.
Fingernail Test
Fingernail drug tests are similar to the Hair test. If an individual misuses spice, the chemical travels through the bloodstream, through the capillaries, and binds to the keratin fibers in the fingernails. Once bound to the keratin fibers, spice remains detectable for up to 6 months. It's advisable for legal professionals to order a fingernail drug test for an ongoing court case such as child custody. A small sample of the nail is shaven off - a painless procedure.
What Factors Influence Spice Detection?
Multiple factors can influence the detection of spice in the body, including:
- Frequency of use
- Amount consumed
- Metabolism
- Brand of spice
- Body weight
- Age
- Overall health
It also depends on the individual and how their body reacts to the drug.
Why Might a Court-Ordered Spice Test Be Necessary?
A court-ordered spice test is necessary in many cases - two of the most common being child custody and criminal cases. The effects of spice are profound and debilitating; anyone under the influence of spice endangers the well-being of children. Ongoing or even sporadic spice misuse brings into question the safety of a child.
What Happens if a Spice Test Comes Back Positive?
The legal ramifications of a positive Spice test vary - we've already mentioned the punishment for possessing, producing, and supplying a Class B drug. The specific consequences depend on the case. If it's a child custody case, a positive result could result in reduced or prohibited visitation rights. In some cases, courts can order individuals to attend a rehabilitation program, but it depends on the case.
How DNA Legal Can Help
At DNA Legal, we understand the process of drug testing. Our experienced staff has years of experience helping legal and healthcare professionals with drug testing in various settings. Our testing process is quick, reliable, and accurate.
We also strive to support the individual - we understand drug tests can be a stressful experience.
Give us a call today if you need assistance with drug testing