In an effort to avoid legal issues, many people are looking for legal marijuana substitutes. There are such products available, and are referred to in various ways, including "legal marijuana" "legal bud", and K2. For the purpose of this article, the term "K2 products" will be used. K2 products go by "brand" names such as Spice, Blonde, SolidSex, Amazonian Shelter, Orisha, Summit, Thai Dream, and Ultra. These are some of the more recognizable ones, but there are other brand names out there.

Many K2 products have been treated with synthetic chemicals. The two most commonly used are JWH-018, which is scientifically known as 1-Pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl,) and JWH-0731-Butyl-3-(1-naphthoyl) indole. There can be others, but again, these are the used by most K2 product manufacturers.

These synthetic chemicals (synthetic means it is man-made, or artificial, if you prefer) have the propensity to cause the same sensations and feelings that marijuana does. That is because the same receptors in the brain that respond to the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the "active ingredient" in marijuana also respond to these synthetic chemicals. The result is, or can be, very similar to that of smoking marijuana. Like marijuana, these chemicals can affect people differently. Some people may feel effects while others don’t.

There are a few K2 incense products that do not contain any synthetic chemicals; rather, the herbs or botanicals used in the mixture may produce sensations of their own in some people. One of the products that do not contain synthetic chemicals is Epimedium. It’s more common name is Horny Goat Weed. That ingredient is found in the "SolidSex" brand of K2 herb products and similar brands.

These products are sold as incense products, and that is their ONLY intended use.

The products can be cut or chopped to resemble regular cigarette, cigar, or pipe tobacco or crushed or chopped to resemble tea leaves. They can even be ground so that they have the appearance of coffee grounds or a fine powder. One particular product-Amazonian Shelter-comes in liquid form and Thai Dream comes pre-measured in capsules just like the ones used to hold medication or vitamin or herbal supplements.

No matter which form the K2 smoke products come in, again, their only intended use is as incense. The products can be heated in incense or potpourri burners, and the aroma and essences allowed to permeate the area, or placed in boiling water so that the steam will be released into the room.

The liquid K2 product can be poured into a container and wooden reeds suspended into the liquid. The reeds will absorb the aroma and disperse it throughout the room. Or it can be added to boiling water so that the essences can be detected more easily.

Burning K2 products releases the aromas and essences that are unique to each product. Just like incense, the room is filled with the fragrant smoke or steam that is produced by the heating process. Anyone in the area, or entering the area, will be able to smell the product.

Depending on the herbs and botanicals used, the aroma may have a citrusy scent, a spicy scent, or a combination of both. Some K2 products may have a heavier floral scent while others will have an earthier or "woodsy" smell to them.

Again, K2 products are intended for use as incense. No one should smoke, eat, drink, inhale or otherwise introduce K2 products into the body except for that which is absorbed through breathing the aroma and being in contact with the smoke or steam.

As with all incense products, proper fire safeguards should be taken. All flames should be extinguished and products should not be left smoldering. Care should be taken if it is necessary to handle heated product, as it may still be hot, even if the heat source has been removed.