Synthetic Cannabinoid Use

Abstract

In the past few years, synthetic cannabinoid products have been increasingly used by adolescents and young adults. These products are marketed as herbal or aromatic incense and potpourri, but their psychoactive properties appear to be due to the addition of synthetic cannabinoids. When smoked, they can produce significant psychoactive and physical effects similar to cannabis. Changes in cognition, behavioral disturbances, alterations in mood, and perceptual changes have been reported. An emerging body of literature indicates that use of these products is associated with anxiety and other negative mood changes not typical of cannabis intoxication. Use of synthetic cannabinoid products has been associated with new onset psychosis or exacerbation of pre-existing psychosis, although current evidence cannot establish a definitive link between synthetic cannabinoids and psychosis. Clinicians should suspect synthetic cannabinoid product use if a patient: 1) presents with signs and symptoms consistent with cannabis use, 2) has negative routine urine toxicology screens, 3) is in a situation in which his or her urine is being routinely monitored for illicit substance use, and/or 4) presents with otherwise unexplained sudden onset psychosis. To make the diagnosis, clinicians should become familiar with the effects of synthetic cannabinoid use and have a high index of suspicion.

The Effects of Cannabinoids on Executive Functions: Evidence from Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids—A Systematic Review

“…To our knowledge, there is a limited number of available laboratory human studies investigating the association between persistence consumption of SC with WM performance. Yet, Castellanos and Thornton (2011) reported that young adults who used SC drugs experienced alterations in short-term memory; however, their main symptom was a severe psychotic episode [ 127 ]. Further reports described similar clinical manifestations where SC users experienced symptoms including alterations in short-term memory [ 128 , 129 ].…”

Marijuana: Current Concepts†

“…As one synthetic cannabinoid is banned, others are produced to take their place as there are over 140 different Spice drugs that are produced (74). They may be marked as some type of “incense” or “herbal” product and even “air fresheners” but potential adverse reactions remain (77, 78). Toxicology screens looking at THC may miss the presence of these cannabinoid designer drugs (77, 79).…”

Spicing things up: synthetic cannabinoids

“…There have been several excellent reviews on the Spice phenomenon that have covered many of the important issues (Ashton 2012; Bhatty and Wu 2013; Castellanos and Thornton 2012; Fattore and Fratta 2011; Gunderson et al 2012; Harris and Brown 2013; Loeffler et al 2012; McGuinness and Newell 2012; Psychoyos and Vinod 2013; Seely et al 2012). Building on existing reviews, our paper examines aspects not previously covered by including the rich, informative literature on the subjective effects of Spice posted on the Erowid website.…”