The synthetically new illicit drugs which are called New psychoactive substances (NPS) are the calamity of the modern era. Their danger is much more than the natural drugs of abuse and at the same time, they cannot be detected on regular drug screens making diagnosis very difficult. The number of NPS is growing very fast making their detection more complicated. Another challenge is that their health effects are not well studied and cannot be predicted. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are the most prevalent group in all available NPS. One recent member of the SCs group is AB-CHMINACA. This review article summarizes the available data about AB-CHMINACA. The obtained data were summarized under the following subtitles; historical background, chemical structure, classification, physical characters, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, toxicity, methods of detection, the magnitude of the problem, and the situation in Egypt. The reviewed studies reveal that AB-CHMINACA like other SC substances are considered toxic with high liability for dependence. Most of the available studies are case reports. The available literature is lacking in specific organ pathology and well-structured toxicity studies.

Background: Synthetic cannabinoid (SCs) substances are intended for drug addiction while they cannot be easily detected on a regular drug screen. The danger of these substances is not only being undetected, but also their health effects are not well studied and cannot be predicted. This is one of the recent major health problems that threaten populations around the world. Aim of the study: This study is an experimental study to detect the toxic effect of acute exposure to a synthetic cannabinoid substance "AB-CHMINACA' clinically and histopathologically in different organs in adult male albino rats. Material and methods: AB-CHMINACA was tested for dissolution in different solvents to choose the best vehicle. Doses were selected according to "Guidance on dose level selection for regulatory general toxicology studies for pharmaceuticals". Animals were injected intraperitoneal and after 24 hours, animals were sacrificed and the lung, heart, and liver were examined for histopathological changes. Results: AB-CHMINACA dissolves best in organic solvents like ethanol and DMSO. The most suitable vehicle for intraperitoneal injection of animals was ethanol-saline. After injection, animals showed CNS manifestations; depression or excitation followed by depression according to the dose. Histopathological examination of the lung, heart, and liver tissues showed generalized congestion, hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration and degeneration, which increased by increasing the dose. Conclusion: AB-CHMINACA has toxic histopathological effects on the lung, heart, and liver on single-dose exposure even with minimal clinical manifestations. These effects are dose-related.