A systematic review of adverse events arising from the use of synthetic cannabinoids and their associated treatment

Abstract

SCs most frequently result in tachycardia, agitation and nausea. These symptoms typically resolve with symptomatic care, including intravenous fluids, benzodiazepines and anti-emetics, and may not require inpatient care. Severe adverse events (stroke, seizure, myocardial infarction, rhabdomyolysis, AKI, psychosis and hyperemesis) and associated deaths manifest less commonly. Precise estimates of their incidence are difficult to calculate due to the lack of widely available, rapid laboratory confirmation, the variety of SC compounds and the unknown number of exposed individuals. Long-term consequences of SCs use are currently unknown.

Interpretation of Workplace Tests for Cannabinoids

“…While clearly capable of causing severe impairment and life threatening medical problems [11], most workplace drug testing will not detect these substances because the initial screen target analyte 11-COOH-THC is structurally different enough that a positive initial screen will not occur. Private industry can add synthetic cannabinoids to their routine workplace testing, but at considerable expense.…”

Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCs) in Metaphors: a Metaphorical Analysis of User Experiences of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Two Countries

“…Clinical treatment of acute intoxication generally remains symptomatic and short (intravenous saline and benzodiazepines) and targeted to deal with agitation, tachycardia and nausea lasting up to 24 h (Castaneto et al 2014;Fattore 2016). Adverse medical events caused by SC use include hyperemesis, kidney failure, seizures, cardiovascular events and psychiatric presentations (Tait et al 2016). Anxiety and psychotic symptoms following acute intoxication reportedly last several days to weeks (Every-Palmer 2011;Bassir Nia et al 2016), and in some studies, deteriorate and persist subsequent to the SC episode (Müller et al 2010;Hurst et al 2011;Van Der Veer and Friday 2011;Tung et al 2012;Van Hout and Hearne 2017).…”

Synthetic cannabinoids: characteristics, use and clinical implications

“…in England from 5.8% in 2014 to 0.1% in 2016) [10]. Unfortunately, it is difficult to provide an accurate estimate of the incidence owing to a lack of rapid laboratory confirmation and the variety of SC compouds [19].…”

“…So far, more than 300 SC compounds have been synthesized, and as new compounds appear rapidly it is difficult to study their effects on physical and mental health [18], as well as long-term consequences [19].…”