What are the immediate harms of Strox?
These harms appear within minutes to hours of use, and may happen the first time. Medical references note that synthetic cannabinoid poisoning is often more severe than cannabis poisoning and calls for more intensive treatment:
- Very rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure and chest pain.
- Nausea and repeated vomiting that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- Seizures and convulsions, and severe drowsiness that can reach loss of consciousness.
- Agitation, confusion and intense panic, with auditory and visual hallucinations.
- High body temperature and muscle breakdown in severe cases.
Harms of Strox to the heart and blood vessels
The heart is among the organs most affected by Strox. The substance raises pulse and blood pressure suddenly, and medical references have recorded cases of heart attacks, heart rhythm disturbances and strokes in young people in their twenties with no medical history.
| System | Possible harms |
|---|---|
| Heart and blood vessels | Rapid pulse, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbance, heart attack, stroke. |
| Kidneys | Acute kidney failure that may need temporary dialysis. |
| Nervous system | Seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion and delirium. |
| Muscles | Muscle breakdown with high temperature and agitation, which strains the kidneys further. |
| Digestive system | Severe repeated vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss with continued use. |
| Respiratory system | Irritation of the throat and lungs and shortness of breath, especially with repeated smoking. |
Does Strox cause kidney failure?
Yes, it can cause acute kidney injury. In 2012 the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented 16 cases of acute kidney injury linked to synthetic cannabinoids in young people with no previous kidney disease; five of them needed dialysis, and kidney function recovered in all of them with hospital treatment.
The injury often begins with severe nausea and vomiting and pain in the flank or abdomen. That is why these symptoms must not be ignored after use, and the person should see a doctor immediately.
Harms of Strox to the brain and mental health
The psychological effect of Strox can be shocking to the family, because it may appear as a sudden break from reality:
Hallucinations, persecutory thoughts and incoherent speech, which can last days and need psychiatric treatment in hospital.
Intense agitation and unusual aggressive behavior, which may harm the person or others without awareness.
Panic attacks and intense fear of dying, with palpitations and shortness of breath.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded suicidal thoughts among its effects, which calls for urgent intervention.
With repeated use, many people suffer poor memory and concentration, depression and disturbed sleep. The risk is higher in people with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders, which is known as dual diagnosis.
Can Strox contain other substances?
Yes. Some synthetic cannabis products seized around the world contained other undeclared substances, including synthetic stimulants, and in documented cases even toxic substances that caused severe bleeding. The person using it has no way of knowing what is in the pack.
What does Strox do to the body in the long term?
Research on long-term use of synthetic cannabinoids is less extensive than research on cannabis, because the compounds keep changing. But medical reports note a recurring pattern of harm in people who use it regularly:
- Weight loss and malnutrition from loss of appetite and repeated bouts of vomiting.
- Chronic sleep disturbance that affects mood, concentration and immunity.
- Recurring panic attacks and anxiety even at times when the person is not using.
- A higher risk of repeated psychotic episodes in people predisposed to them.
- Chronic irritation of the throat and lungs with continued smoking.
Why does the risk multiply when Strox is mixed with other substances?
Some people who use Strox mix it with hashish, alcohol, or sedative or stimulant pills, and each mixture adds a new risk. Sedatives and alcohol increase drowsiness, loss of consciousness and the risk of choking on vomit, while stimulants double the burden on the heart and raise temperature and the risk of seizures. The result of a mixture cannot be predicted because the contents of Strox itself are unknown.
Why is Strox more dangerous for teenagers?
The adolescent brain is still developing, especially the areas responsible for decision-making and impulse control, and the body’s endocannabinoid system takes part in this development. That is why teenagers are affected more by Strox: psychosis, panic and impulsive behavior are more likely, and the risk of forming an addiction is higher the younger use begins.
Teenagers are also less experienced at recognizing signs of danger, and may leave an unconscious friend out of fear of punishment instead of calling an ambulance. It is important for children to know that asking for help at this moment saves a life.
Harms of Strox in pregnancy
There are not enough studies on the effect of synthetic cannabinoids on the fetus, but the heart rhythm disturbance, blood pressure changes, seizures and severe vomiting they cause in the mother directly threaten the pregnancy. After regular use, a woman should not stop suddenly without follow-up, but should see a specialist doctor who sets a safe plan for mother and fetus.
Do the harms of Strox go away after stopping?
Many people recover from acute kidney injury and muscle breakdown with prompt treatment, and sleep, mood and concentration improve gradually over weeks to months after stopping. A heart attack, a stroke, or injuries from accidents, however, may leave permanent effects. The earlier the stopping and treatment, the better the chances of full recovery.
Signs of acute Strox poisoning: call an ambulance (123) immediately
- Convulsions or violent shaking of the whole body
- Loss of consciousness or great difficulty waking the person
- Chest pain, a very rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
- Severe agitation, violence, or hallucinations and complete detachment from reality
- A severe rise in body temperature with heavy sweating or hot, dry skin
Call an ambulance on 123 immediately, move dangerous objects away from the person, and do not restrain them by force or put anything in their mouth during a seizure. If they lose consciousness or the seizure ends, place them on their side in the recovery position, stay with them until the paramedics arrive, and tell them what was taken.
Call the ambulance 123
21Social and legal harms