Fascination and Social Togetherness-Discussions about Spice Smoking on a Swedish Internet Forum.

An analysis of 40 online forum posts describes how young Swedish users experience intoxication from Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid mixture. The intoxication produced both positive effects, such as well-being and elation, and negative effects, including fears and unpleasant physical sensations. Despite these drawbacks, users often found the experience fascinating and rewarding. Smoking Spice was a social activity, typically done in small peer groups, and users kept their use secretive. The findings highlight the complex, ambivalent nature of Spice intoxication among young people.

Study at a glance

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.