New psychoactive substances (NPSs) often emerge on the illicit drug market with limited pharmacological or toxicological data. Synthetic cathinones are the second largest NPS group, often mimicking the effects of classical stimulants such as cocaine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Such stimulants primarily target dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET) and serotonin (SERT) transporters,...
Abstract Semi‐synthetic cannabinoids (SSCs) including hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) are emerging on the drug market and sold openly as purportedly legal replacements for cannabis and Δ9‐THC. By the beginning of 2024, 24 European countries had identified HHC, often sold openly in edibles (foods/candy), vapes and low‐THC cannabis flowers and resins. The SSC market is developing rapidly, with HHC...
Archives of ToxicologyMay 1, 2023Marie H Deventer, Mattias Persson, Antonio Laus et al.7 citations
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are introduced on the illicit drug market at a rapid pace. Their molecular targets are often inadequately elucidated, which contributes to the delayed characterization of their pharmacological effects. Inspired by earlier findings, this study set out to investigate the µ opioid receptor (MOR) activation potential of a large set of psychedelics, substances which...