What Is Spice Gold?

Spice gold is an herbal smoking mixture. It is sold on the Internet and in "head shops" where it is touted as nicotine free with a legal herbal high. Much controversy surrounds this spice, and many considered it a dangerous substance with dangerous ingredients.

Significance

• Spiced gold is sold in small sealed pouches that hold about 3g (less than an ounce). Batches were seized in Sweden and New Jersey in 2006 for what were to believed to contain banned substances. However, analysis did not produce any illegal ingredients.

Considerations

• Several European countries are considering a ban on spice gold claiming it contains illicit synthetic substances. Claims are that it is similar to other cannabis (hemp, hashish, marijuana).

Warning

• A research report from Dresden Technical University supported the notion that spice gold is highly addictive. The study purported it also causes severe withdrawal symptoms. It is subject to the German Narcotic Law and permanent regulation is pending making it illegal.

Ingredients

• Listed ingredients of spice gold include the herbs: Canavalia maritima, Nymphaea caerulea, Scutellaria nana, Pedicularis densiflora, Leonotis leonurus, Zornia latifolia, Nelumbo nucifera and Leonurus sibiricus.

Spices and Flavorings

• Spice gold contains baybean, blue lotus, lion's tail, Indian warrior, dwarf scullcap, maconha brava, pink lotus, Siberian motherwort, vanilla and honey. These herbs are used as visionary aids, aphrodisiacs, relaxants, sedatives and for mystical feelings.

Theories/Speculation

• The verdict is still out on spice gold, but authorities are attempting to have it banned as an illegal substance. Many consider it a drug with some of the same side effects as banned narcotics.