Buddha Blue or PTC (Fart Your Skull) is a drug classified as a narcotic that circulates among high school students and causes hospitalizations. It is sold as a vaping liquid in electronic cigarettes.
[Mise à jour le 21 février 2023 à 11h24] THE “Buddha Blue”also nicknamed TPC for “Fart Your Skull”, is a synthetic drug appeared a few years ago in Finistère (Brittany) and which is attracting more and more teenagers. Available for purchase on Internet for ten eurosthis synthetic cannabinoid is found in the form of a liquid to be inhaled in the electronic cigarettes and mimics the psychoactive effects of THC. PTC is a colorless and odorless drug that conventional saliva tests (for THC consumption in particular) do not detect. The Buddha Blue is however linked to serious Side effects and already responsible for several hospitalizations. Three high school students from Sucy-en-Brie (Val-de-Marne) were hospitalized after consuming it reports BFM TV on February 10, 2023 and a high school student from Tarbes (Hautes-Pyrénées) aged 15 was hospitalized in April 2022 because of Buddha Blue reported The New Republic of the Pyrenees. Two cases of fatal overdose have also been identified in Europe, informs Grégory Lange, of theNational association for the prevention of alcoholism and addictology. In France, no deaths has not yet been reported. How se consume the Buddha Blue? What are the effects of PTC? Is the Is PTC legal?
Definition: what is Buddha Blue?
Produced in China and Indiathe Buddha Blue is a synthetic cannabinoid which, unlike cannabis, is not derived from a plant and does not contain THC but molecules that mimic its effects. Its dosages are difficult to control and its effects, even at low doses, are most of the time much more powerful than those of natural cannabis.
What are the effects of Buddha Blue (PTC)?
The consumption of Buddha Blue begins with relax and “get high”. Euphoria, relaxation and a feeling of joy are among the expected effects. “In my opinion, the effects of this drug are closer to those of LSD or ketamine than those of cannabis. Among the testimonies of Norman teenagers who have consumed Buddha Blue or people who have expressed themselves on the forums, many say that they did not know what they were smoking and that they took puffs one after the other. without paying too much attention. And since the effects come suddenly, they got stuck in a terrible bad tripa nightmare they couldn’t stop and in which they were conscious“, describes the addictologist.
“The effects of this drug are close to LSD or ketamine.”
Not considering “as there is neither legislation nor control on these products, the manufacturers, who sell them on the black market, do not always mention on the packaging thatdo not take more than 3 puffs. Results: these products are extremely overdosed.”
What is the composition of Buddha Blue?
“It is estimated that this product would be composed of a synthetic cannabinol equivalent to a 95% THC concentration. But we still do not know a lot about this product, whether analyzes were carried out and under what conditions they were carried out. In comparison, our parents’ joints contained 6-8% THC. Today the cannabis found in France has a THC concentration of 15 to 16%. So, with an equivalent of 95% THC, we can easily imagine that the effects are colossal”, relates Vincent Villiers, addictologist and hypnotherapist specializing in cannabis addiction. Note that some symptoms may persist for up to 24 hours after taking.
Odorless and colorless, this substance with a seductive taste is found in the form of liquid to vape For electronic cigarette. We can also spray it on herbs in order to imitate cannabis. Inexpensive, it can be ordered on the Internet for a few tens of euros and is found under various names: Buddha Blue, Blue, Spice, Legal Eye, K2…
What are the side effects of Buddha Blue (PTC)?
But during the “rise” phase, the consumer may also experience undesirable effects such as:
- hunger
- hot flashes
- severe headaches
- respiratory distress
- tachycardia (the heart beats very quickly or even irregularly)
- hallucinations
- paralysis
- bouts of paranoia and body exits
- memory loss
Is Buddha Blue (PTC) legal?
Since a stopped of March 31, 2017, Buddha Blue (which would correspond to the cannabinoid 5F-AKB-48) is classified on the list of narcotics. Its sale and use are therefore illegal.
What to do in case of Buddha Blue (PTC) poisoning?
In the event of an anxiety attack or panic attack, it is advisable to sit down, put your head down and breathe regularly and slowly. In the event of more serious symptoms (delusional behavior, respiratory distress, hallucinations, tachycardia, paranoia attack, etc.), call 15 to seek medical assistance. Do not drive after consuming this substance.
Can you be addicted to Buddha Blue (PTC)?
In theory, the higher the THC content of a product, the greater the addictive effect. “However, since the effects of Buddha Blue are extremely powerful, testing this synthetic drug often generates anxiety. Few people live well this hallucinatory experience and few people want to repeat it“, explains Vincent Villiers. In other words, because of the violent or even traumatic effects of this substance, its addictive effect would therefore remain moderate.
What should I do if my teenager consumes Buddha Blue (PTC)?
“In addictology, we do not speak of “addiction” for adolescents, but rather of “addictive driving” since it is believed that the adolescent brain is not yet structurally complete. It is at a slightly more advanced age that one can speak of a phenomenon of dependence. In addition, most adolescents who exhibit addictive behaviors will abandon them in adulthood. However, there is cause for concern when there is suspicion of addictive behavior, when the teenager becomes dissociated, when his grades drop in school or when his behavior changes (aggressiveness, withdrawal, lack of confidence, vulnerability, loss of appetite…)“, explains our interlocutor. To help a young person abandon his addictive behaviors, young consumer consultations (CJC) are dispensed by professionals in certain addiction care, support and prevention centers (CSAPA) or in places specializing in welcoming young people (Centers for adolescents, reception points for young people). This is a methodology adapted to support teenagers in their addictive behavior with regard to substances such as cannabis and to offer them help before their consumption becomes problematic. The teenager can go there alone or be accompanied of a relative or his parents.
thanks to Vincent Villiersaddictologist and hypnotherapist specializing in cannabis addiction.
Sources:
– Substance identification system at the French Observatory for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT)
– Drugs Infos Services, the National Association for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Addictology in Normandy
– Drugs.gouv.