SPICE: what does it look like, how does it smell, is it addictive?

Find out what SPICE looks and smells like, how it’s used, and why it can be addictive. Get the facts on risks and harm reduction.

What is spice?
What does spice smell like?
How is it used?
How strong is spice?
Is spice illegal?
How does spice make you feel?
Can you overdose on spice?
Is spice addictive?
Reducing the risks
In an emergency
Help and support

What is spice?

Spice is a mixture of chemicals created in a lab to mimic the effects of cannabis. It’s the most common synthetic cannabis and is known by various names including fake cannabis, K2, black mamba and more. The chemicals in spice, known as synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs), start off as a powder and are often sprayed onto chopped‑up leaves and herbs to look like herbal cannabis. Unlike cannabis, spice isn‘t sticky, doesn’t contain buds and has no distinctive smell. These chemicals can also be sprayed onto paper—often seen in prisons.

What does spice smell like?

Spice has no consistent smell. Some people describe it as sweet, chemical, or plasticky, while others say it’s harsh or solvent-like, especially when smoked. One person who had used both spice and natural cannabis said, “They don’t look alike, they don’t smell alike.” Unlike cannabis, spice doesn’t have a strong or recognisable aroma, and the smell can vary depending on the chemicals used and how it’s taken—whether smoked, vaped, or applied to paper.

How is it used?

Mixing spice with tobacco

Spice is usually mixed with tobacco and smoked like cannabis.The effects can be intense and fast-acting when smoked.

Spice in vapes

Increasingly, it’s being found in vapes and e‑liquids, often sold online as CBD or THC liquids.

Spraying spice on paper

Spice can be sprayed onto paper, then smoked or swallowed. People usually tear the paper into small pieces and mix it with tobacco before smoking it in a joint.

Swallowing the paper takes longer to come up than smoking, but once it's eaten, you can't control or stop the effects, unlike smoking, where you can pause or take smaller inhales.

The chemicals may be unevenly distributed across the paper, so one section could contain a much higher dose than another - this increases the risk of overdose.

Because there's no way to see how much has been applied or where, using spice on paper is considered especially dangerous.

How strong is spice?

There are hundreds of different SCRAs, and they vary in strength and toxicity. There’s no consistency in what’s sold. Spice is potent even at very low doses: a pinch the size of a match head can be active.

Is spice illegal?

Yes. Spice is a Class B drug under UK law. It’s illegal to make, sell, or possess. While some SCRAs were once legal, they now fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Possession in prison is a criminal offence.

How does spice make you feel?

Spice can make you feel euphoric, relaxed, happy, talkative and drowsy. Effects begin within seconds, peak after about 30 minutes, and wear off within 2–3 hours.

Can you overdose on spice?

Yes. It’s easy to take too much because of its potency and unpredictable contents. Symptoms can range from anxiety, paranoia, nausea and vomiting to more serious effects like seizures, psychosis, fast heart rate and hallucinations.

Is spice addictive?

Yes. Regular use can lead to dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include cravings, sweating, tremors, seizures, sleep problems and irritability. Tolerance can build quickly—even within days.

Reducing the risks

Start low and go slow—use a tiny amount and wait to feel the effects.
Avoid mixing with alcohol, other drugs, or medicines.
Use with someone you trust—don’t use alone.
Take breaks—avoid daily use to reduce harm and tolerance.
Look after your mental health and environment.
Don’t share joints, bongs or vapes—this spreads infection.
Sit down if using—spice can cause sudden collapse or immobility.

In an emergency

Spice can cause sudden physical or mental changes, including immobility, psychosis or ‘zombie-like’ behaviour. If someone is unwell:

Place them in the recovery position.
Call an ambulance and explain what was taken.
Watch for signs like difficulty breathing, overheating, seizures or chest pain.
If it’s a panic or ‘bad trip’, reassure them in a calm, quiet space—emergency services may not always be needed.

Order our Spice harm reduction resource to share with your service users and clients.