Synthetic Cannabinoid Overdose in a 20-Year-Old Male US Soldier

Abstract

Popularity of synthetic cannabinoids among US military service members has risen over the last several years, leading to an increase in hospitalizations and legal actions stemming from its use and possession. Although synthetic cannabinoids, collectively referred to as "Spice," are similar in structure to the active metabolites found in cannabis, significant concerns exist regarding the severity of short- and long-term medical and psychiatric sequelae. This article presents a case, in which a patient experienced severe medical and psychiatric symptoms far exceeding the severity and duration typically resulting from cannabis use.

Use of synthetic cathinones and cannabimimetics among injection drug users in San Diego, California

“…Given the clinical case reports of significant toxicity and adverse effects of these drugs, up to and including fatal intoxication (Berry-Cabán et al, 2012; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013; Jinwala and Gupta, 2012; Schneir et al, 2011; Thomas et al, 2012), the potential for users to inadvertently consume these substances is of particular concern. This may explain our finding that recent hospitalization for any reason was independently associated with use of both SC and TH, yet few IDUs reported being hospitalized specifically due to the effects of SCs or THs.…”

“…Though more rare than with SCs, fatal effects have also been reported (Fattore and Fratta, 2011). THs mimic the effects of THC, but when new variations are created they are usually not detectable using a drug test for cannabis (Berry-Cabán et al, 2012). Therefore, some users seek THs as a substitute for cannabis in order to avoid detection (Maxwell, 2014; Perrone et al, 2013).…”

“…To date, little is known about the characteristics of individuals who use synthetic drugs and/or their rationale for use, since the majority of data have obtained through clinical case reports from Emergency Departments or Poison Centers (e.g., Berry-Cabán et al, 2012; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013; Jinwala and Gupta, 2012; Maxwell, 2014; Schneir et al, 2011; Thomas et al, 2012). Current knowledge about SCs comes mostly from research among people associated with the “dance music” or “party” scenes.…”

User Experiences of Development of Dependence on the Synthetic Cannabinoids, 5f-AKB48 and 5F-PB-22, and Subsequent Withdrawal Syndromes

“…Emergency hospital presentations have described presentations with severe agitation, panic attacks, tachycardia, nausea, paranoid ideation, and hallucinations post SCB use (Banerji et al 2010;Bebarta et al 2010;Sobolevsky et al 2010;Vearrier and Osterhoudt 2010). SCB associated psychotic reactions (Castellanos et al 2011;EveryPalmer 2010EveryPalmer , 2011Schneir et al 2011;Spaderna et al 2013), are often the common reason for the seeking of medical assistance (Forrester, et al,2011) and can be prolonged and persistent, and sometimes never remit (Berry-Caban et al 2013;Hurst et al 2011;Tung et al 2012;Van der Veer and Fiday 2011). Debates continue around whether use of herbal mixtures containing SCBs precipitates psychosis in individuals with and without history of psychotic disorders (Every-Palmer 2010;Hurst et al 2011;Müller et al 2010a,b;Pierre 2011).…”

“…The aim of this study was to describe user's experiences of development of dependence on 5f-AKB48 and 5F-PB-22, and their subsequent experiences of attempting to withdraw. There is little published data regarding this phenomenon, despite withdrawal units and hospitals around the world providing case examples of the wide range of withdrawal syndromes ranging from very mild to that of psychotic symptoms and seizures, despite the reporting of smoking of similar amounts of herbal smoking mixtures (Zimmerman et al 2009;Vearrier and Osterhoudt 2010;Müller,et al 2010a;Hurst et al 2011;Castellanos et al 2011;Schneir et al 2011;Van der Veer and Fiday 2011;Tung et al 2012;Gunderson et al 2012;Bebarta et al 2012;Berry-Caban et al 2013;Rominger et al 2013). …”