What Is Liquid Herbal Incense?

Liquid herbal incense is a potent substance that consists of synthetic cannabinoids dissolved in a liquid form. Unlike traditional herbal incense, which typically involves dried plant material sprayed with chemicals and then smoked, the liquid variant is most often vaporized using e-cigarettes, vape pens, or other similar devices. It is sold under various brand names and is often labeled as “legal high,” “aromatic liquid,” or “not for human consumption” to evade regulation.

This product is marketed as a legal and safer alternative to marijuana, but in reality, it can be far more dangerous. The chemicals used in Liquid herbal incense are synthetic versions of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, but their effects on the human body and brain are significantly more unpredictable and intense.

How Liquid Herbal Incense Is Used

Liquid herbal incense is typically used by adding a few drops of the liquid to a vaporizer or vape pen. Users inhale the vapor much like they would nicotine or cannabis e-liquid. Because the product is often sold in small vials, it is discreet and easy to conceal, which adds to its appeal, particularly among younger users or those trying to avoid drug testing.

Some users apply it to dried herbs and smoke it traditionally, but this is less common. The popularity of vaping devices has made liquid herbal incense a go-to substance for those seeking a powerful high without the telltale smell of marijuana smoke.

Why People Use Liquid Herbal Incense

Several factors contribute to the popularity of liquid herbal incense. First and foremost, it’s often available online or in head shops without prescription or ID verification. The packaging, which may feature flashy colors and appealing names, falsely suggests a fun, safe, and legal experience.

Another significant driver is its reputation for being undetectable in standard drug tests. Since many workplaces and athletic organizations test for THC, users turn to synthetic alternatives that are not picked up in regular screenings. The rapid onset of the high and its intensity are additional reasons people choose it over natural cannabis.

There is also a misconception that anything labeled “herbal” or “incense” must be harmless. However, this misleading terminology masks the fact that liquid herbal incense is a synthetic chemical concoction, not a naturally derived product.

The Composition of Liquid Herbal Incense

Liquid herbal incense contains synthetic cannabinoids, which are human-made chemicals designed to bind with the same brain receptors as THC. However, these synthetic compounds can bind more strongly and in different ways than natural THC, resulting in extreme, unpredictable effects.

The composition of these products can vary widely from batch to batch. Some may contain multiple synthetic cannabinoids mixed together, while others might include completely untested or experimental chemicals. The base liquid usually consists of solvents like propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, similar to those used in nicotine e-liquids.

Because there’s no regulation or quality control, users never really know what they’re inhaling. This inconsistency is a major contributor to the health risks associated with these products.

Immediate Effects of Using Liquid Herbal Incense

The effects of liquid herbal incense can begin within minutes of inhalation and may last for several hours. Initially, users report feelings of euphoria, altered perception, relaxation, and in some cases, increased sociability. These effects mimic marijuana, which is why many users are drawn to it.

However, negative side effects are far more common and intense. Users frequently experience:

• Severe anxiety and paranoia
  
  

• Rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure
  
  

• Dizziness or fainting
  
  

• Hallucinations and delusions
  
  

• Confusion and disorientation
  
  

• Nausea and vomiting
  
  

Some users have reported extreme agitation and even episodes of violent behavior. In more severe cases, use of liquid herbal incense has been linked to seizures, kidney damage, and heart complications.

Long-Term Risks and Health Consequences

Unlike cannabis, which has been extensively studied for both its risks and benefits, liquid herbal incense is largely uncharted territory. The long-term effects of continued use are not well understood, but early evidence suggests a range of serious consequences.

Chronic use has been associated with cognitive impairment, including memory loss, decreased attention span, and emotional instability. Users may develop a tolerance quickly, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effects, which significantly increases the risk of overdose.

Dependency and addiction are also major concerns. While natural cannabis rarely causes physical dependence, synthetic cannabinoids found in liquid herbal incense can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, cravings, depression, and anxiety when the user tries to quit.

Organ damage is another potential outcome. Reports of kidney failure and liver damage following prolonged use have emerged in medical literature. These effects are often irreversible and require long-term medical intervention.

The Mental Health Impact of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Mental health complications are some of the most alarming consequences of using liquid herbal incense. Synthetic cannabinoids are far more potent than THC, and they lack the balancing properties of other cannabinoids like CBD, which can mitigate psychoactive effects.

Users are at an increased risk of developing psychosis, a condition where individuals lose touch with reality. Symptoms include paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, and irrational thinking. These effects can appear after a single use and, in some cases, persist for weeks or even months.

For individuals with a history of mental health issues, using liquid herbal incense can worsen their condition dramatically. Even in those without a known mental health history, the substance can trigger new psychiatric disorders. This risk is especially high in adolescents and young adults, whose brains are still developing.

Legal Status and Regulation

The legal landscape around liquid herbal incense is complex and ever-evolving. In many countries, synthetic cannabinoids are classified as controlled substances. However, because manufacturers are constantly changing the chemical formulas to evade bans, law enforcement struggles to keep up.

In the United States, the DEA has placed several synthetic cannabinoids on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, making them illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess. Similar legislation exists in countries across Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Despite these efforts, the products are often sold under misleading labels such as “aromatic oil” or “herbal extract,” which complicates enforcement. Online sales and international shipping further hinder effective regulation, allowing these substances to circulate widely and reach consumers with little oversight.

Dangers of Unregulated Manufacturing

Unlike pharmaceutical drugs or regulated cannabis products, liquid herbal incense is manufactured in unregulated settings, often in underground labs. There is no standardization in dosages, ingredients, or safety testing.

This means one batch may contain a relatively mild synthetic cannabinoid, while the next could include a compound with toxic or even lethal effects. Contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, or harmful solvents can also be present, adding to the health hazards.

Lack of transparency in production and labeling puts users at serious risk. They have no way of knowing what they’re inhaling or how it will affect their body. This unpredictability is one of the most dangerous aspects of using liquid herbal incense.

Emergency Situations and Medical Treatment

Many emergency rooms have reported a sharp increase in visits related to synthetic cannabinoid intoxication. Patients often arrive with symptoms like uncontrollable agitation, violent behavior, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

Treatment is complicated by the fact that standard drug tests often don’t detect synthetic cannabinoids. Physicians must rely on symptoms and user accounts to determine the cause, which can delay effective treatment.

There is no specific antidote for synthetic cannabinoid poisoning. Treatment is primarily supportive and may include sedatives to calm the patient, IV fluids, and medications to control heart rate and blood pressure. In some cases, hospitalization in intensive care units is necessary.

Detox and Recovery

Recovering from liquid herbal incense addiction requires a combination of physical detox and psychological therapy. Detoxification should be medically supervised due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the risk of complications.

Once detox is complete, counseling and behavioral therapy play a vital role. Programs such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals understand their triggers and develop coping mechanisms. Group therapy and support systems provide emotional reinforcement during the recovery journey.

Because mental health issues often accompany substance use, dual diagnosis treatment may be necessary. This involves addressing both the addiction and the underlying psychiatric condition simultaneously to ensure a successful recovery.

Preventing Abuse Through Education

Education is a powerful tool in preventing the use of dangerous substances like liquid herbal incense. Informing young people about the risks and debunking myths about its safety can deter experimentation.

Schools, community centers, and healthcare providers should incorporate synthetic cannabinoid awareness into their drug education programs. Parents also play a key role by maintaining open lines of communication with their children and being aware of the signs of substance use.

Online platforms and social media campaigns can reach broader audiences and counteract the glamorized portrayal of these substances in certain circles. The more informed the public is, the less likely they are to fall prey to misinformation and risky experimentation.

Final Thoughts

Liquid herbal incense may appear harmless on the surface due to its attractive packaging and “legal” label, but it is a highly dangerous and unpredictable substance. The synthetic cannabinoids it contains are far more potent and risky than natural cannabis, with potentially life-threatening consequences.

From acute health emergencies to long-term mental and physical damage, the risks of using liquid herbal incense are extensive. Its widespread availability, unregulated production, and misleading marketing make it a serious public health concern.

Raising awareness, improving regulation, offering support for recovery, and emphasizing prevention through education are key steps in combating the spread and misuse of this harmful product.