Drug Finder Guide

Substance Info & Matching Test Kits

Welcome to the Ovus Medical Drug Finder Guide — your comprehensive reference for
understanding which of our drug testing products detect specific substances.

Drugs Finder Guide

Substance Info & Matching Test Kits

Alcohol – Ethyl-glucuronide (ETG)

Ethyl-glucuronide is a direct metabolite of ethanol (alcohol) formed when your liver glucuronidates ethanol. Unlike ethanol—which clears fast—EtG sticks around longer, so it’s a reliable biomarker of recent drinking even when breath/ethanol is already negative. Ethyl-glucuronide is a lab target that proves exposure to beverage alcohol (and sometimes to alcohol-containing products).

• Street Names (alcohol): booze, liquor, spirits, the sauce, hooch, grog, drink, tipple, adult beverages, liquid courage, firewater
• Risks (alcohol): Injury & impairment: Slows reaction time and judgment → crashes, falls, violence; millions of alcohol-impaired driving episodes occur annually. Alcohol poisoning/overdose: Vomiting, slow/irregular breathing, unresponsiveness—medical emergency. Risk skyrockets when mixed with benzodiazepines, opioids, ketamine, or sleep meds (additive respiratory/CNS depression). Cancer: Any alcoholic drink (beer, wine, spirits) increases cancer risk; breast, colorectal, liver, and others. WHO and HHS/CDC emphasize no safe threshold for cancer risk. Liver & pancreas: Fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis; pancreatitis.
• Common Uses (alcohol): Social/recreational. Culinary/industrial/medical: Ingredient/solvent; antiseptic; clinical use of ethanol in specific poisonings is niche and supervised.

Amphetamines (AMP)

Amphetamines are synthetic central-nervous-system stimulants that increase activity of dopamine and norepinephrine. Some forms are prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy (e.g., amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, dexamphetamine); illicitly, they’re taken for alertness, euphoria, or performance. Also known as a stimulant class related to—but distinct from—methamphetamine, which is a more potent amphetamine derivative.

• Street Names: Speed, uppers, bennies
• Risks: Addiction/dependence and withdrawal. Cardiovascular strain, elevated heart rate/BP, arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke. Neuropsychiatric effects like anxiety, insomnia, agitation, paranoia/psychosis at high doses. Overdose/toxicity risks increase with high doses or mixing with other stimulants/depressants.
• Common Uses: Therapeutic (Rx) for ADHD and narcolepsy; historically (less commonly now) as an adjunct for obesity. Nonmedical/illegal: staying awake, studying, performance/recreation—risky without a prescription

Barbiturates (BAR)

Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that enhance GABA_A receptor activity (and at higher doses can directly open the channel). They slow brain activity, producing sedation, anxiolysis, and anesthesia. Because they have a narrow therapeutic window and high overdose risk—especially with alcohol or opioids—they’ve been largely replaced by benzodiazepines for routine anxiety/insomnia.

• Street Names: Barbs, reds, blues, yellow jackets, downers
• Risks: Overdose/respiratory depression—easy to cross the line, and mixing with alcohol, opioids, or benzos is life-threatening. Dependence & severe withdrawal (can be medically dangerous—seizures, delirium). Impaired judgment/coordination, memory problems, tolerance. Drug interactions (hepatic enzyme induction can alter other meds). Red-flag overdose signs are extreme drowsiness, slurred speech, shallow/slow breathing, pinpoint or sluggish pupils, cold/clammy skin, coma. Call emergency services immediately.
• Common Uses: Limited medical uses include Phenobarbital (for seizures), butalbital (in some migraine/tension-headache combos), pentobarbital/secobarbital (short-acting sedatives), thiopental (induction anesthetic, historically).

Bath Salts (MDPV)

MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone) is a synthetic cathinone—a lab-made stimulant in the “bath salts” family. Pharmacologically it’s a very potent norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), often stronger and longer-lasting than cocaine. Sold as powders/crystals and used intranasally, orally, smoked/vaped, or injected, it has zero legitimate medical use. Makers constantly swap formulas to dodge laws and tests, so potency and toxicity are unpredictable.

• Street Names: Bath salts, plant food, Ivory Wave, Cloud Nine, Vanilla Sky, White Lightning
• Risks: Cardiovascular: fast/irregular heartbeat, hypertension, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, hyperthermia & dehydration → risk of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Neuropsychiatric: severe agitation, paranoia/psychosis, hallucinations, violent/excited delirium, seizures.
  
• Common Uses:Illicit stimulant sought for euphoria, energy, alertness; no approved therapeutic use.

Benzodiazepines (BZO)

Benzodiazepines (“benzos”) are central-nervous-system depressants that act as positive allosteric modulators at the GABA-A receptor. They supercharge the brain’s main “slow-down” chemical (GABA), producing anxiolytic, sedative/hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxant effects.

• Street Names: Benzos, downers, tranqs, bars, xannies, k-pins, vallies
• Risks: Dependence & tolerance (can develop in weeks); diversion is commonplace. Overdose & respiratory depression, especially when combined with opioids, alcohol, or gabapentinoids. Cognitive/memory impairment, slowed reaction time, impaired driving; falls (older adults). Paradoxical disinhibition/agitation in a minority of users. Withdrawal can be dangerous (anxiety, tremor, seizures, delirium); requires a slow, supervised taper. Pregnancy exposure: neonatal sedation or withdrawal risk.
• Common Uses: with prescription BZO can be used to treat acute anxiety, panic disorder, short-term insomnia management, seizure control/status epilepticus; adjunct in epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal (monitored settings), muscle spasm, procedural sedation. Common Rx examples: alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril).

Buprenorphine (BUP)

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid receptor that binds tightly to opioid receptors, eases withdrawal/cravings, and has a “ceiling effect” on euphoria and respiratory depression compared with substances like heroin or oxycodone. That lowers—but does not eliminate—overdose risk. It can displace other opioids and trigger precipitated withdrawal if started too soon after full-agonist use. It’s Schedule III in the U.S.

• Street Names: Bupe, subs, subbies, strips
• Risks: Respiratory depression—risk rises when combined with benzodiazepines, alcohol, gabapentinoids, or other sedatives. Precipitated withdrawal if initiated before adequate opioid withdrawal (especially with potent/sustained opioids like fentanyl). Sedation, dizziness, constipation, nausea, sweating, headache. Dependence and withdrawal if stopped abruptly (generally milder than full agonists). Hepatic injury (uncommon; monitor if liver disease), QTc prolongation at higher/patch doses. Injection-related harms if diverted and used IV; counterfeit/contaminated supplies add risk
• Common Uses: Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD): induction and maintenance; often co-formulated with naloxone to deter injection (sublingual/buccal). Long-acting monthly injections are used for adherence. Pain management: lower-dose transdermal patches or buccal films for chronic pain in selected patients.

Clonazepam (CLON)

Clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine (Schedule IV, U.S.) that enhances GABA-A signaling to slow CNS activity. Clinically it’s valued for anti-seizure effects and panic-disorder management. It has a long half-life (~30–40 hrs on average), so sedation and impairment can linger—especially in older adults or when combined with other depressants.

• Street Names: K-pins, benzos, tranqs
• Risks: Dependence, tolerance & withdrawal (can be dangerous—seizures, delirium—if stopped abruptly; requires slow taper). Respiratory depression/overdose risk, especially with opioids, alcohol, or gabapentinoids. Cognitive & psychomotor impairment: memory issues, slowed reaction time, impaired driving; falls in older adults. Paradoxical agitation/disinhibition (uncommon but real). Depression/suicidality warnings, especially with co-morbid mental health conditions.
• Common Uses: Legit medical uses (when prescribed) for seizure disorders (e.g., absence, myoclonic, Lennox-Gastaut), panic disorders (short- to medium-term). Off-label: REM sleep behavior disorder, acute agitation, adjunct for severe anxiety (specialist use).

Cocaine (COC)

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant made from coca leaves. It’s a Schedule II drug in the U.S. (high misuse potential, limited medical use as a topical anesthetic). People typically snort powder, rub it on gums, inject it, or smoke “crack” (base form). Overdose and contamination (especially with fentanyl) are major drivers of harm today

• Street Names: Blow, coke, crack, flake, rock, snow
• Risks: Cardiovascular emergencies: arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke; risk spikes with heavy use or underlying disease. Neurologic/psychiatric: agitation, paranoia/psychosis, seizures. Tissue damage from route of use: nasal septum injury (snorting), burns/lung injury (smoking), injection-related infections. Polysubstance danger: mixing with alcohol forms cocaethylene, which is more toxic to the heart and liver and lasts longer; mixing with fentanyl (increasingly found in cocaine) sharply raises overdose risk. Dependence & withdrawal: strong reinforcement and compulsive use patterns.
• Common Uses: Medical (legal): limited use as a topical local anesthetic for certain ENT procedures. Illicit: short-lived euphoria, energy, alertness; often used in social/party settings or binges.

Cotinine – Nicotine (COT)

Cotinine is the primary metabolite of nicotine. Your body converts nicotine to cotinine (mainly via CYP2A6 in the liver), which sticks around much longer than nicotine—making it the go-to biomarker for recent tobacco/nicotine exposure (cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, NRT like patches/gum). Nicotine is a plant alkaloid from tobacco that stimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, releasing dopamine and norepinephrine. It’s a fast-acting stimulant and highly addictive

• Street Names: nicotine, cigs, smokes, vapes, dip, chew, snus, pouches
• Risks: Nicotine and tobacco/vape use can cause addiction & withdrawal (cravings, irritability, anxiety, poor sleep, ↑ appetite). Cardiovascular strain: ↑ heart rate/blood pressure, vasoconstriction; riskier with heart disease. Pregnancy: fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, neonatal complications; avoid all nicotine exposure. Adolescent brain: exposure linked to attention/learning issues and higher addiction risk. Poisoning: liquid nicotine (vape refills/pouches) can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures—dangerous for kids/pets. Respiratory irritation: cough/bronchospasm with inhaled products; unknowns from some vape solvents/flavorants. Co-use risk: pairing with alcohol or other drugs increases accident/injury risk.
• Common Uses: Recreational/stimulant effects, stress coping (habit-forming). Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers/sprays used therapeutically to quit combustible tobacco by tapering dependence under guidance.

Delta-8

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive cannabinoid that’s an isomer of delta-9 THC. In practice, most commercial delta-8 is chemically converted from hemp-derived CBD (isomerization). It generally feels milder than delta-9, but it’s still intoxicating and can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Quality varies wildly; poorly controlled manufacturing can leave residual solvents, acids, heavy metals, or byproducts in the final product.

• Street Names: D8, delta-8, “hemp THC,” “light weed,” “legal weed” (marketing slang varies by brand and state)
• Risks:Impairment & accidents: slowed reaction time; don’t drive or operate equipment. Anxiety/panic, tachycardia, dizziness, paranoia—especially at high doses or with edibles that “creep.” Cognitive effects: short-term memory/attention hits while intoxicated. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in heavy/chronic users (cyclic vomiting). Pediatric exposures from edibles/packaging—ER visits happen; lock it up. Contaminants/adulterants from sloppy synthesis or cutting agents (vapes). Tolerance, dependence, withdrawal-like symptoms in frequent users.
• Common Uses: Self-reported relaxation, sleep, or pain relief (not FDA-approved uses). Used by some as a delta-9 alternative in places with stricter cannabis rules (legality varies; check local law).

Ecstasy (MDMA)

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic empathogen-stimulant with some psychedelic-like effects. People typically take pressed pills (“ecstasy”), powder/capsules (“molly”), or crystals. Effects can include euphoria, energy, empathy, and sensory distortion—alongside dangerous adverse effects. It’s Schedule I in the U.S. (no accepted medical use, high misuse potential).

• Street Names: Ecstasy, Molly, E, X, XTC, rolls, beans
• Risks:Overheating, dehydration, cardio/neurologic: tachycardia, arrhythmias, seizures. Psychological/neurologic: anxiety, paranoia, confusion; post-use low mood; evidence suggests memory/learning problems with heavy use. Serotonin toxicity risk—especially when combined with other serotonergic drugs.
  
• Common Uses:Illicit/recreational: desired for empathy, sociability, and sensory enhancement—clubs, festivals, parties. Clinical research: studied with psychotherapy in controlled settings; not an FDA-approved treatment.
  

Fentanyl (FYL) (FEN)

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid used medically for severe pain and anesthesia; it’s Schedule II and roughly 100× stronger than morphine. Outside healthcare, most fentanyl is illicitly manufactured and frequently found in counterfeit pills and mixed into other drugs—driving today’s overdose crisis.

• Street Names: Fent, blues, M30s (counterfeit oxycodone), China white/China girl, Tango & Cash, murder 8
• Risks:Respiratory depression & fatal overdose at tiny doses; tolerance loss after a break is a major risk. Counterfeit pill risk: fake “oxycodone/Xanax/Adderall” tablets widely contain fentanyl; one pill can kill. Polydrug danger: mixing with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or xylazine magnifies overdose risk.
• Common Uses: Medical: short-acting analgesia and adjunct anesthesia under close supervision. Illicit: sought for intense, short-lived euphoria; often consumed unknowingly in counterfeit pills/powders.

Flakka (Alpha-PVP) (a-PVP)

α-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) is a synthetic cathinone—a lab-made stimulant in the “bath salts” family. Pharmacologically it’s a potent norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), which can drive extreme stimulation, agitation, and compulsive redosing.

• Street Names: Flakka, gravel, bath salts, plant food
• Risks: Neuro/psych: severe agitation, paranoia/psychosis, hallucinations, violent/excited delirium; anxiety, panic, insomnia 24–48h. Cardio/metabolic: tachycardia, hypertension, chest pain, arrhythmias, hyperthermia, risk of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury, seizures. Behavioral/trauma: impaired judgment can cause accidents, injuries, police/EMS encounters. Polysubstance danger: mixing with alcohol, benzos, opioids, or other stimulants multiplies overdose and medical risk.
  
• Common Uses: Illicit stimulant for euphoria/energy/alertness. No legitimate medical indication.
  

Gabapentin (GAB)

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant/neuromodulator that calms overactive nerve signaling. It’s FDA-approved for partial-onset seizures and postherpetic neuralgia; extended-release gabapentin enacarbil is approved for restless legs syndrome. Off-label, it’s widely used for neuropathic pain and sometimes anxiety. It isn’t an opioid or a benzo, but it’s a CNS depressant and can be misused—especially with opioids or alcohol. (Not federally scheduled in the U.S., though several states monitor or restrict it.)

• Street Names: gabbies (varies by region). Brand (Rx): Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil)
• Risks: Sedation, dizziness, ataxia, impaired driving. Respiratory depression when combined with opioids, benzos, alcohol, or xylazine (high-risk combo). Misuse/dependence potential in some users; withdrawal (anxiety, agitation, insomnia, nausea, pain rebound) if stopped abruptly. Cognitive/psychomotor impairment: slowed reaction time, memory issues. Edema, weight gain, mood changes; rare suicidality warning (class). Renal clearance: accumulation/toxicity in kidney impairment without dose adjustment
• Common Uses:Adjunct for partial-onset seizures, neuropathic pain, restless legs syndrome. Off-label: anxiety, pruritus, hot flashes, alcohol use disorder adjunct—clinician-directed only.

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a central-nervous-system depressant with sedative, amnestic, and euphoric effects. Illicit GHB is often made from (or confused with) its industrial precursors GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) and 1,4-butanediol, which convert to GHB in the body. In the U.S., non-medical GHB is Schedule I; the prescription form sodium oxybate (brand Xyrem/Xywav) is Schedule III under a strict REMS for narcolepsy (cataplexy/excessive daytime sleepiness).

• Street Names: “Date Rape Drug”, G, liquid G, Georgia Home Boy, fantasy, scoop, juice
• Risks:Respiratory depression, coma, and death. Rapid onset, narrow margin between “high” and overdose. Vomiting & aspiration while unconscious; hypothermia, bradycardia, seizures at high doses. Anterograde amnesia (memory gaps), impaired judgment/coordination. Dependence & severe withdrawal with heavy/frequent use (agitation, tremor, tachycardia, hypertension, delirium; can be life-threatening—requires medical care).
  
• Common Uses:Illicit/recreational: sought for euphoria, sociability, “club drug” effects; also misused in drug-facilitated assaults because of taste/odor and amnesia. Medical (prescribed sodium oxybate): narcolepsy with cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness under specialist supervision
  

Heroin / 6-MAM (6MAM)

6-Monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM)—also called 6-acetylmorphine, 6-AM—is the unique, short-lived metabolite of heroin. Heroin rapidly deacetylates to 6-MAM, which then converts to morphine; finding 6-MAM is considered definitive evidence of recent heroin use. Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a rapid-acting opioid made by acetylating morphine. It crosses the blood–brain barrier fast, then is metabolized to 6-MAM and morphine, driving intense euphoria, analgesia, and respiratory depression. It’s Schedule I (U.S.); medically used in a few countries (as “diamorphine”) but not in the U.S. Street supply is often cut with fentanyl or xylazine, which dramatically raises overdose and wound risks.

• Street Names (Heroin): Dope, smack, H, horse, skag, junk, black tar, brown sugar
• Risks: Fatal overdose from respiratory depression; risk spikes after a break in use, with fentanyl-adulterated batches, and when mixed with alcohol/benzodiazepines/gabapentinoids. Xylazine contamination: deeper sedation, skin ulcers/necrosis; naloxone doesn’t reverse xylazine. Infectious disease & tissue damage with injection: endocarditis, abscesses, cellulitis, collapsed veins; blood-borne infections from shared equipment. Hypoxia-related brain injury in nonfatal ODs; rhabdomyolysis, aspiration pneumonia. Dependence, tolerance, withdrawal (muscle aches, GI upset, chills, anxiety/insomnia).
• Common Uses: Illicit/recreational for euphoria, relief from pain/anxiety, or to stave off withdrawal. No accepted medical use in the U.S. (diamorphine is used as an anesthetic/analgesic in some countries under tight control).

Hydrocodone (HCO)

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic used for moderate–severe pain (and, in combo products, cough). In the U.S. it’s Schedule II (high misuse potential). You’ll see it as single-agent ER tablets/capsules or combined with acetaminophen/ibuprofen in immediate-release products.

• Street Names: hydros, vikes, tabs, norcos
• Risks:Respiratory depression & fatal overdose, especially when mixed with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other CNS depressants. Dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal with prolonged use. Sedation, dizziness, impaired driving, constipation, nausea; falls in older adults. Liver toxicity risk from acetaminophen in combo products if doses are high or alcohol is used. Counterfeit pill risk in the illicit market (pills sold as “hydrocodone” may contain other opioids).
  
• Common Uses:Pain management when non-opioids are inadequate. Antitussive in certain prescription cough formulations.
  

K2/Spice (Synthetic Cannabinoids) (K2)

“K2/Spice” refers to lab-made compounds that stimulate cannabinoid receptors (CB1/CB2)—often much more strongly and unpredictably than THC. They’re sprayed on herbal material or sold as liquids for vaping. Formulas change constantly to skirt laws and tests, so potency, toxicity, and effects are wildly variable. Not the same as natural cannabis.

• Street Names: K2, Spice, fake weed, synthetic marijuana, Scooby Snax, Black Mamba, Kronic, Mojo, Mr. Nice Guy, AK-47
• Risks:Severe agitation, paranoia/psychosis, hallucinations. Seizures, loss of consciousness. Tachycardia, hypertension, chest pain; heart attack and stroke have been reported. Kidney injury, intractable vomiting. Bleeding/coagulopathy outbreaks linked to contaminated products. Dependence/withdrawal (anxiety, irritability, insomnia) reported with heavy use.
  
• Common Uses: Illicit/recreational for a cannabis-like high or to try to evade THC testing.

Ketamine (KET)

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that blocks NMDA (glutamate) receptors, producing analgesia, amnesia, and a trance-like dissociation between mind and body. It’s Schedule III (U.S.) and widely used in operating rooms and emergency medicine because it preserves airway reflexes and can raise blood pressure—useful in trauma. At sub-anesthetic doses it’s used for procedural sedation and acute pain; the related compound eketamine is FDA-approved (under a REMS program) for treatment-resistant depression.

• Street Names: Special K, K, Kit Kat, Vitamin K, Ket, Cat Valium
• Risks:Acute effects: confusion, dizziness, elevated BP/HR, nausea/vomiting, blurred/double vision, loss of coordination, agitation, panic. Dissociation & impaired judgment: high accident/injury risk; do not drive or operate equipment. Respiratory depression at high doses or when mixed with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids. Cognitive impacts (attention/memory) with frequent use. Bladder/kidney injury (“ketamine cystitis”) in chronic/heavy users: painful urination, urgency, incontinence, possible long-term damage. Tolerance and dependence potential; abrupt cessation after heavy use can cause anxiety, low mood, sleep disruption. Adulterants/unknown potency in illicit powders raise toxicity risk.
  
• Common Uses:Medical: induction/maintenance of anesthesia; procedural sedation (ED, pediatrics); analgesia at low doses; status asthmaticus/bronchospasm adjunct; esketamine for depression (clinic-based). Illicit/recreational: sought for dissociation, euphoria, altered perception (often insufflated as powder; medical liquid can be diverted).
  

Kratom (KRA)

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a Southeast Asian tree whose leaves contain the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. At lower doses it can feel stimulating; at higher doses it can feel opioid-like/sedating. It is not FDA-approved for any medical use; U.S. agencies flag safety concerns and dependence risk.

• Street Names: Kratom, k-tea; regional names include thang, kakuam, thom, ketum, biak.
• Risks: Dependence, withdrawal, neuropsychiatric & neurologic: agitation/psychosis (reported), hepatotoxicity (liver injury) reports, respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other depressants (opioids, benzos, alcohol).
  
• Common Uses:People commonly report using kratom to self-manage opioid withdrawal/cravings, pain, fatigue, or mood—but there are no FDA-approved indications.

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a potent classic psychedelic. It acts primarily as a 5-HT2A serotonin receptor agonist, causing intense shifts in perception, mood, and thinking. Active at microgram doses, it’s not considered physically addictive, but it can strongly affect judgment and behavior. Tolerance builds quickly.

• Street Names: Acid, tabs, blotter, doses, Lucy, paper
• Risks:Acute psychological effects: panic, severe anxiety, paranoia, confusion; risky decisions and accidents during intoxication. Perceptual effects: visual distortions, time/ego changes; rare HPPD (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder) and prolonged derealization in vulnerable users. Medical risks: tachycardia, increase in blood pressure, dizziness, nausea; danger escalates when mixed with other drugs (especially depressants or unknown adulterants). Mental health considerations: can exacerbate or unmask psychosis or bipolar disorder in predisposed individuals. Not a safe “microdose” pass: even small amounts can impair driving and work performance.
  
• Common Uses:Illicit/recreational for altered perception and introspective experiences. No FDA-approved treatments.
  

Marijuana (THC)

THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, altering perception, mood, coordination, memory, and reaction time. Products range from flower (smoked/vaped) to edibles, oils, dabs, and vapes; dose and onset vary widely (edibles hit later, last longer).

• Street Names: Weed, pot, bud, herb, ganja, grass, Mary Jane, 420, dope
• Risks: Impaired driving & accidents (slower reaction time, poor coordination/judgment). Anxiety/panic, paranoia, and in vulnerable people psychosis-like symptoms. Short-term memory, attention, and learning deficits while intoxicated; residual effects possible after heavy use. Cannabis Use Disorder (dependence/tolerance/withdrawal) in a subset of users. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) with chronic heavy use (cyclic vomiting). Cardio/respiratory strain: tachycardia; smoke/vape can irritate airways; illicit vapes may contain harmful additives.
  
• Common Uses: Recreational (relaxation, euphoria, appetite, sleep) where legal. Medical (jurisdiction-dependent): chronic pain, chemotherapy-related nausea, appetite loss/wasting, spasticity, some seizure disorders—under clinician guidance.
  

Methadone (MTD)

Methadone is a full opioid receptor agonist with a long, variable half-life. Clinically, that means strong analgesia and withdrawal suppression, but also a delayed/long-lasting respiratory-depressant effect that can accumulate—especially during the first few days of dosing or after dose increases. It’s Schedule II (U.S.) and used for opioid use disorder (OUD) maintenance and moderate–severe chronic pain when other options are inadequate.

• Street Names: done, wafers, juice
• Risks: Respiratory depression & fatal overdose—highest risk during initiation and titration, and when combined with benzodiazepines, alcohol, gabapentinoids, or other sedatives. QTc prolongation / torsades de pointes at higher doses or with other QT-prolonging drugs/electrolyte issues. Accumulation due to long/variable half-life causes sedation hours after the analgesic effect wears off. Dependence & withdrawal with abrupt discontinuation. Endocrine/GI: constipation (common), sweating, possible hypogonadism with long-term use
  
• Common Uses:OUD treatment (daily observed dosing at certified programs; suppresses cravings/withdrawal and reduces illicit opioid use and mortality). Chronic pain, particularly in complex or neuropathic pain cases under experienced prescribers (requires cautious titration and monitoring)
  

Methamphetamine (MET)

Methamphetamine is a potent synthetic stimulant in the amphetamine family. It floods synapses with dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (largely by reversing transporters), driving intense alertness and euphoria alongside high addiction potential. Illicit meth is commonly sold as crystal (“ice”) or powder; people smoke, snort, inject, or swallow it.

• Street Names: Meth, crystal, ice, glass, shard, tina, crank
• Risks:Addiction & compulsive use. Cardiovascular: rapid/irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, heart attack or stroke. Neuropsychiatric: anxiety, paranoia, violent agitation, hallucinations, psychosis; sleep deprivation intensifies all of it. Cognitive: memory/attention problems; mood crash after use. Physical: severe weight loss, “meth mouth” (tooth decay, bruxism, dry mouth), skin sores from picking.
  
• Common Uses:Medical (rare): Rx Desoxyn for ADHD or short-term obesity when other options fail (tight monitoring). Illicit: euphoria, energy, focus, and prolonged wakefulness; club/party, work-shift, or binge patterns.
  

Morphine / Opiates (MOR/OPI)

Opiates are the natural opioids from the opium poppy—mainly morphine and codeine. Morphine is the principal natural narcotic used for pain control; heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a semi-synthetic made from morphine. In common use, people say “opioids” to cover both natural (opiates) and synthetic drugs in the class.

• Street Names: Dreamer, MS, morph, Mister Blue, God’s Drug, First Line, Unkie
• Risks:Respiratory depression & fatal overdose, especially when mixed with benzodiazepines/alcohol. Dependence, tolerance, withdrawal with prolonged use. Sedation, dizziness, constipation, nausea; impaired driving/falls.
• Common Uses: Pain management (acute, cancer, palliative; carefully dosed/monitored). Limited use in other indications by specialist judgment.