What is the Black Mamba Drug?
Black Mamba, also known as the zombie drug, is a man-made drug of altering chemicals that are sprayed on dried, shredded plant material to be smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporised and inhaled in e-cigarettes. While this was originally a Class B drug in 2013 as a legal high, the deadly effects of Black Mamba caused it to be outlawed in 2016 because of the Psychoactive Substances Act. More people need to be aware that Black Mamba is more powerful than marijuana and can cause dangerous consequences if not treated.
The only thing natural about Black Mamba is the dried plant materials as the cannabinoid compounds were created in a lab. They used to be easy to buy in paraphernalia shops, novelty stores, gas stations, and through the Internet. Now they are illegal to buy, sell, or possess. Many young people would do Black Mamba for thinking it is natural and harmless and standard drug tests would not easily detect the chemicals.
What is Black Mamba Weed (Fake Cannabis)?
On the streets, Black Mamba is sometimes misleadingly sold as “fake weed” or “synthetic marijuana.” Unlike natural cannabis, though, the drug has nothing plant-like about it beyond the shredded material it’s sprayed on. The psychoactive effects come from lab-made chemicals that mimic THC in far more dangerous ways.
Because of this branding, young people in particular often try Black Mamba, believing it’s simply a cheap, legal version of cannabis. In truth, it carries far higher risks, leading to hospitalisations, psychosis and even death.
Mamba Drug Slang
Black Mamba is often called the “zombie drug” because of the way users appear spaced out, unresponsive, and sometimes violent. Other slang terms include “synthetic weed,” “spice,” and “K2,” though these names often blur together in street talk.
This slang can confuse people into thinking they’re taking cannabis or something less harmful. In reality, Black Mamba’s unpredictable chemical makeup makes it far riskier than marijuana, with severe health consequences.
Black Mamba Drug Classification
Black Mamba was once a so-called “legal high,” openly sold in shops and online before authorities realised how dangerous it really was. In 2013, it was made a Class B drug, and since the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, it is completely illegal to buy, sell or possess.
Its classification under UK law means users risk not only severe health effects, but also criminal charges. Despite this, the drug continues to circulate on the streets, often sold cheaply and misleadingly as a safer alternative to cannabis.
Black Mamba Legal High History
Black Mamba was one of the most infamous “legal highs” in the UK before the ban. Sold for as little as £10, it was easy to find in head shops and even petrol stations. At its peak, it was associated with emergency callouts across major UK cities, including Nottingham, Manchester, and London.
The Psychoactive Substances Act of 2016 finally outlawed Black Mamba and similar synthetic cannabinoids. Despite this, the drug continues to be sold illegally, particularly targeting vulnerable groups like the homeless and young people.
Is the Zombie Drug Addictive?
Yes, Black Mamba can be highly addictive, both physically and mentally. People who use it regularly often find themselves craving the drug and feeling unable to cope without it. Tolerance builds quickly, meaning larger doses are needed to get the same effect, which increases the risks of severe side effects.
Withdrawal can also be brutal, with users reporting anxiety, sweating, insomnia, and intense cravings when they try to stop. The addiction cycle makes it extremely difficult to quit without help, and many who become dependent on Black Mamba end up trapped in dangerous patterns of daily use.
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Is Taking Lab-Made Weed Dangerous?
Yes. The Daily Mail says a 13-year-old Jamie Poulton from Lincoln became addicted to Black Mamba to help him deal with his ADHD. He would buy this drug on the streets and smoke every day until he passed out. Poulton wanted help for his addiction as he felt like Black Mamba was all he can think about and felt was tearing his family apart. His grandmother would say he would smash their flat as well as climb on drain pipes and lampposts.
Mirror News said a man died from Black Mamba, and another was in the hospital. It was bought for £10 in the UK, putting Britons in a zombie-like state. Nottingham is one of the several cities in the UK with Black Mamba users. The paramedics were called five times a day to help them. From January to June, there were 139 police reports. Even though Black Mamba is illegal, it is still being sold, which needs to be stopped as well as better treatment options for those under the influence.
Black Mamba Side Effects
The effects of Black Mamba can be like marijuana, where you feel relaxation, an elevated mood, altered perception, and psychosis. There are also psychological effects like confusion, paranoia, extreme anxiety, hallucinations and extreme effects like vomiting, rapid heartbeat, violent behavior, and suicidal thoughts. Black Mamba can raise your blood pressure and reduce blood supply, as well as cause kidney damage and seizures.
Get Help for Street Drug Addiction
If you or someone you care about is struggling with the effects of Black Mamba or other synthetic drugs, don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out today for confidential advice and professional support – help is available, and recovery is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions on Black Mamba Use
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What is Black Mamba Medicine?
Despite the name, Black Mamba is not a medicine. It’s a harmful synthetic drug with no recognised medical use. Unlike prescription cannabinoids used for epilepsy or chronic pain, Mamba is illicit and linked to unpredictable, sometimes life-threatening, side effects.
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How Do You Stop Taking Black Mamba?
Quitting Black Mamba is challenging because of intense cravings and psychological withdrawal. The safest approach is professional help, including drug detox, addiction therapy and support groups. Medical supervision reduces relapse risk and helps manage dangerous side effects linked to synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal.
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Is Black Mamba Legal?
No. Black Mamba was once sold as a “legal high” but has been illegal in the UK since 2016 under the Psychoactive Substances Act. It is classified as a Class B drug, meaning possession and supply are criminal offences.
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How Long Do Zombie Drug Side Effects Last?
Side effects of Black Mamba can begin within minutes and last several hours. While the “high” may fade quickly, confusion, anxiety and paranoia can persist much longer. Some users report lingering symptoms such as fatigue or low mood for days afterwards.
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What Happens if You Overdose on Black Mamba?
An overdose can cause seizures, heart problems, violent behaviour or unconsciousness. Paramedics frequently treat users for breathing difficulties and extreme agitation. Overdose is unpredictable, as potency differs from batch to batch. Immediate medical attention is always necessary.
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Can Black Mamba Show Up on a Drug Test?
Standard drug tests usually do not detect Black Mamba. However, specialist tests can identify synthetic cannabinoids. This has made the drug popular with people trying to avoid detection, though the extreme risks outweigh any perceived advantage of avoiding a test.
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Is Black Mamba Stronger Than Cannabis?
Yes. Black Mamba is often many times stronger than cannabis, producing intense, unpredictable effects. Unlike cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids can cause dangerous physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat, kidney failure or psychosis. Even small amounts may overwhelm inexperienced users.
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Is There Treatment for Black Mamba Addiction?
Yes. Drug treatment includes medical detox to manage withdrawal, counselling to address cravings, and long-term rehabilitation for relapse prevention. Support groups and specialist rehab centres can help people break free from dependence and rebuild their lives after using Black Mamba.
Castle Craig is one of the most established and respected addiction rehab centers in the UK. Castle Craig treats alcoholism and drug addiction as an illness and promotes abstinence as essential for long-lasting recovery. We help patients recover through an intensive, personalised programme that combines medical treatment, 12 Step therapy, CBT and other psychiatric therapies and complementary therapies. For information, call our 24-hour free confidential phone line: 01721 546 263. From outside the UK please call: +44 808 271 7500 (normal charges apply).
