Spice drugs are more than harmless herbal blends: A review of the pharmacology and toxicology of synthetic cannabinoids

Abstract

“K2” and “Spice” drugs (collectively hereafter referred to as Spice) represent a relatively new class of designer drugs that have recently emerged as popular alternatives to marijuana, otherwise characterized as “legal highs”. These drugs are readily available on the Internet and sold in many head shops and convenience stores under the disguise of innocuous products like herbal blends, incense, or air fresheners. Although package labels indicate “not for human consumption”, the number of intoxicated people presenting to emergency departments is dramatically increasing. The lack of validated and standardized human testing procedures and an endless supply of potential drugs of abuse are primary reasons why researchers find it difficult to fully characterize clinical consequences associated with Spice. While the exact chemical composition and toxicology of Spice remains to be determined, there is mounting evidence identifying several synthetic cannabinoids as causative agents responsible for psychoactive and adverse physical effects. This review provides updates of the legal status of common synthetic cannabinoids detected in Spice and analytical procedures used to test Spice products and human specimens collected under a variety of clinical circumstances. The pharmacological and toxicological consequences of synthetic cannabinoid abuse are also reviewed to provide a future perspective on potential short- and long-term implications.

Capgras syndrome after use of synthetic cannabinoids: an adolescent case

“…Although it was known that SCs had stronger effects when compared with cannabis, there was no adequate information about pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of many of the SCs in humans (1,8). It was also believed that evolving symptoms were affected by factors such as duration of use and personal tendency in addition to substance content (22).…”

“…Although it is known that SCs are stronger than natural cannabinoids, there are very limited data about effects of these substances because of their dynamic and unpredictable structures, and difficulties in detection by laboratory tests (8). Currently, number of studies investigating the effects of these substances on the body and also their psychoactive effects are increasing in number both in the world and in our country (2,5,(9)(10)(11).…”

Bağimlilik Ve Uyarici Maddeler / Addiction and Stimulant Drugs

“…Bunlar bir solventte çözdürülüp bitkisel karışıma püskürtülerek K2, Spice, Bonzai gibi isimlerle internetten satışa sunulmaktadır. Paket etiketlerinde ise "insanlar için değildir, tütsü, sadece aromaterapi için" gibi yazılar bulunmaktadır (25,26). En önemli sorunlardan bir tanesi de içindeki miktarının ne olduğunun doğru bilinememesidir, bu maddelerin içeriğindeki miktarlar arasında büyük farklılıklar olabilmektedir (27) (26).…”

“…En önemli sorunlardan bir tanesi de içindeki miktarının ne olduğunun doğru bilinememesidir, bu maddelerin içeriğindeki miktarlar arasında büyük farklılıklar olabilmektedir (27) (26). Duygusal süreç, algı ve duygusal bilginin eloborasyonunu da ciddi etkiler (25)(26).…”

Legally flawed, scientifically problematic, potentially harmful: The UK Psychoactive Substance Bill

“…Whilst it is understandable that legislators might be concerned about the emergence of NPS such as synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (Seely, Lapoint, Moran, & Fattore, 2012), it is questionable whether many of the non-exempted psychoactive substances that are sold in health food shops (e.g. lavender oil) or garden centres (e.g.…”