They are more expensive, but some of them WILL get you high. That spice stuff, will get you high. It feels identical to being high on weed. And it doesn't show up on a piss test, that's why I use it occasionally. But it's really expensive for what you get. Effective at small doses, but still spendy. I paid $30 for probably 1/2 gram. I have only bought it once, I won't buy it again unless I wanna fuck around with it again.
Kratom will give you a good buzz similar to mid-grade opiates. And that shit is relatively cheap. I'm not making this up... Check out some websites for that stuff. You can get some awesome kratom for under $20 including shipping, and that will last you about a week. Shit, I've got so much of it that I'll GIVE some to you, if you give me your address, just to prove my point that it's not bullshit.
U wanna get a good casual high that won't get you in any trouble with the law, give some of this shit a chance. Don't knock it til you try it.
That being said, don't get me wrong either - I'm sure there is a lot of crap out there that doesnt work at all... But if you find a forum or online group of some sort that has experience with it, you'll know what to buy if you wanna try something out. Sure, some of it will be less effective than weed, but some of it gives you a completely different high than weed. Just like a totally different substance.
If anyone has any questions, I have tried a lot of the ethno's that are out there, and I can give you a good idea of what does what, and where to go to get the best results.