Fascination and Social Togetherness-Discussions about Spice Smoking on a Swedish Internet Forum.
Anette Kjellgren, Helena Henningsson, Christophe Soussan
Substance abuse : research and treatment January 1, 2013 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.4137/sart.s13323 via PubMed
Summary
The analysis of 40 reports from a Swedish internet forum revealed that using Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid smoking mixture, is often a social activity among small peer groups. Users reported strong intoxication effects, both positive, such as well-being and elation, and negative, including fears and unpleasant physical effects. Despite these negative experiences, many found the intoxication to be fascinating and rewarding.
Study at a glance
| Design | qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | reports from an internet-based discussion forum about Spice use |
| Key finding | Spice induces strong intoxication with both positive and negative effects, which users find fascinating despite associated fears and unpleasant experiences. |
Abstract
Spice is a smoking mixture containing synthetic cannabinoids with psychoactive effects similar to herbal cannabis. It is sold on the Internet and has become popular among young people. The purpose of the present study was to investigate experiences of intoxication induced by Spice, as described on a Swedish internet-based discussion forum. A systematic search yielded 40 reports, which were analyzed using phenomenological method. A total of 7 themes (composed of 27 categories) emerged from the analysis: 1. Spice use as social ritual; 2. Social secretiveness; 3. Intoxication remarks; 4. Well-being and elation; 5. Altered perception of reality; 6. Fears and coping; 7. Unpleasant physical effects. The results show that smoking was a social activity mostly carried out in small peer-groups, and that the substances induced strong intoxication with both positive and negative effects. Despite fears and unpleasant effects, the intoxication was often considered fascinating and rewarding.