Buddha blue (or PTC), a synthetic drug that circulates in high schools, is much more dangerous than cannabis, experts warn.
- Since its launch several years ago, the buddha blue has been very popular with young people.
- Buddha blue, or PTC, contains molecules that increase the effects of cannabis.
- The risks of using this drug include heart attacks, hallucinations and panic attacks.
A drug that turns into a zombie: this is what hides behind the buddha blue, a drug also nicknamed “Bust your head” (PTC), which has been on the rise among young people in recent years.
Buddha blue causes more complications than cannabis
This synthetic cannabinoid does not contain any THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol), one of the molecules contained in cannabis causing psychotropic effects. But it mimics the effects, with added health risks. “The big difference with cannabis is that there are more overdoses and complications.”explains Laurent Karila, professor of addictology, psychiatrist at the Paul Brousse hospital and creator of the podcast Addiktion, in 20 minutes.
Following consumption of buddha blue, the risk of developing heart rhythm disorders, tachycardia, or even having a heart attack are not excluded. This drug can also cause breathing difficulties, headaches and lead to stroke.
There are also psychiatric complications with the appearance of depression, delusional pictures, panic attacks and even suicidal thoughts, confirms Laurent Karila.
PTC is a danger to the developing brain of young people
“VSFor a young person who does not yet have a formed brain, the risk is even higher”, adds the expert. A worrying fact since synthetic cannabinoids are spreading more and more, according to theFrench Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies (OFDT).
In early February, three high school students from Sucy-en-Brie, in Val-de-Marne, were hospitalized after inhaling it. “It’sa royal road to access the brain”, emphasizes Dr. Nicolas Bonnetaddictologist in the child and adolescent psychiatry department at the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital in Paris: “Going through a vaped or smoked product is twice as fast as an intravenous injection, because there is a greater absorption surface. Everything you inhale goes into the pulmonary artery, which is directly connected to the brain. It’s faster than going through the heart.”
In April 2022, a high school student from Tarbes (Hautes-Pyrénées), even found in a coma after consuming this synthetic drug. No death has been recorded so far in France following the consumption of buddha blue, but in the United States, several people have died after consuming it, indicates 20 minutes.
