Zrylw.com recently sat down with several ANY LAB TEST NOW® franchise staff members to discuss the harms of what is becoming known as “fake weed.”  While it may be legal, the ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise staff we spoke with detailed the consequences of its use.

Zrylw.com: On behalf of our readers, thank you ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise staff for your time.

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: You’re welcome.  We are happy to do it.

Zrylw.com: This question is for either of you.  What is fake weed?

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: It is basically a substance – an herbal incense product, really – that looks like and mimics the effects of marijuana. Often it has been found in tobacco shops and while there are disclaimers of its harmful effects on the package, people are still using it.

Zrylw.com: But it is legal?

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: Well, it’s not really “legal” anymore. The DEA recently banned five of the most common psychoactive chemical compounds found in the herbal incense product that is marketed under the trade names K2, Spice, Serenity, Black Mamba and a variety of others. And many states are going through the motions to ban it statewide.

Zrylw.com: Where did it come from?

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: The short form of the story is that it was originally created to test how THC binds itself to the brain.  The creator of the chemical said that it was never intended for human consumption, however.

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: In fact, its creator Dr. Huffman has said there is no real way of knowing how long this substance will stay in the human body or what the long term effects could be.

Zrylw.com: Can you explain more?

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: The herbal incense is plant-based; however, it is coated with harmful chemicals that have led to its improper use.  The chemicals are the “drugs”.  The two most common synthetic cannabinoid compounds found in these products are JWH018 and JWH073.  Although these chemicals react with the same THC receptors in the brain as natural marijuana, they actually pose some opposing symptoms.  In fact, these chemical compounds do not show up in a regular drug test where THC is supposed to be detected.  A special drug test for synthetic cannabinoids must be ordered.

Zrylw.com: How is it used?

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: These psychoactive chemical compounds we have been discussing are sprayed onto organic plant matter to give it an appearance of marijuana. From there it is typically rolled into joints and smoked, though there are other ways of consumption.

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: And then people assume that it is no big deal, just a variation of pot…

Zrylw.com: But I am sensing that is not correct.

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: Absolutely.  The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported almost 2000 calls from people concerning frightening and negative consequences of the chemical.  And the DEA Diversion Control Program listed Spice as a “chemical of concern.”

Zrylw.com: Does the traditional marijuana test pick up the use of Spice?

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: No.  However, at all the ANY LAB TEST NOW franchises, a drug panel test can be administered to detect it.

Zrylw.com: That’s good news.  Obviously some grave concerns about this chemical.

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: Very grave concerns and parents needs to know about this and its potential harmful side effects many of which are not known.  We do know it is dangerous.

Zrylw.com: Thank you both for a very informative discussion that enlightens all parents and consumers.

ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise: Thank you for talking with the both of us.

Your local ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise can help you take control of your health.

For more information, visit them online at http://www.anylabtestnow.com

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About ANY LAB TEST NOW Franchise

Named the second fastest growing franchise in America by the Franchise Times in April 2010, the ANY LAB TEST NOW® franchise network offers medical, drug and alcohol, DNA and other lab testing solutions to local communities.  With 133 locations nationwide, your local ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise provides thousands of lab tests, allowing individuals to take control of their health.  Supporting individuals, physicians, local employers, attorneys, health and fitness centers, government agencies and many other types of businesses, your local ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise offers a diverse selection of direct diagnostic tools. As the founder of ANY LAB TEST NOW often states, “The ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise organization was created to give consumers and businesses direct, affordable access to powerful diagnostic tools.”

Established by David Perlow, M.D., ANY LAB TEST NOW began making medical laboratory testing available to the general public in 1992.  Soon thereafter, the ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise model was revealed, bringing these same unique ideas to communities all across America.  Based in Alpharetta, Georgia and founded on the basis of empowerment of individuals and excellence, every ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise employs only certified, courteous and understanding professionals.  The team at every ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise also understands the potential anxiety that may come with medical or social testing and assures its customers that each ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise is HIPAA (privacy) and state law compliant.

The presence of an ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise empowers a local community through thousands of medical tests as well as drug and alcohol testing, forensic DNA and toxicology, as well as occupational exposure testing.  In addition to other numerous tests, each ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise offers legally admissible DNA testing and background searches.  Every day, your local ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise assists companies of all sizes in assessing candidates and employees, especially in safety-sensitive positions, while proactively supporting corporate wellness that improves overall company morale and productivity..

If preventable healthcare is your concern, your local ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise also offers health and  wellness programs.  By offering monthly promotions and becoming involved in health and wellness events, your local ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise assists in the promotion of healthy living.  With basic health monitoring check ups, the professionals at your ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise screens for several components including complete blood count, urinalysis and blood pressure check.  This panel of testing is valuable in enabling an individual to take control of their personal health.  Your local ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise also screens for events that may impact heart health, such as cholesterol; and monitors glucose levels  for diabetes.  Each ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise also offers hormone testing for thyroid, testosterone, menopause and numerous other valuable screenings.

In addition to being affordable, your local ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise ensures  the correct specimens are collected in the appropriate manner, depending on the tests you choose.  An appointment is not needed to see a certified medical assistant at your local ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise.  No insurance?  No problem! With convenient hours six days a week, your local ANY LAB TEST NOW franchise offers you complete discretion and confidentiality. ANY LAB TEST NOW places the power of health care and lab testing in your hands.