“Noids” in a nutshell: everything you (don’t) want to know about synthetic cannabimimetics
Duccio Papanti, Laura Orsolini, Giulia Francesconi, Fabrizio Schifano
Advances in Dual Diagnosis August 12, 2014 DOI: 10.1108/add-02-2014-0006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and descriptive analysis Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety Cannabis |
| Keywords | Synthetic cannabinoids Cannabinoid receptor Hallucinogen Pharmacology Agonist |
| Citations | 24 |
| Key findings | Synthetic cannabinoids, as full agonists on cannabinoid receptors, can produce severe physiological and psychological disturbances, with evidence suggesting a relationship between their use and psychosis (Spiceophrenia). |
Abstract
Purpose – “Spice” products are synthetic cannabimimetics (SC; also called “synthetic cannabinoids”)-based designer drugs used as a legal alternative to cannabis for their very strong tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-like effects. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of more recent clinical and pharmacology/toxicology findings relating to SC and describe how they could impact on health, with a particular focus on mental health. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic search and descriptive analysis of the available evidence on psychopathological issues related to misuse was performed here, whilst taking into account the Pubmed/Medline databases, a range of conference proceedings and national/international agencies’ reports. Findings – While THC is a partial agonist, SC are full agonists on the cannabinoid receptors (CB-rs) and the administration of multiple SC can produce additive and/or synergistic agonistic interaction effects on the endocannabinoid system. These levels of strong CB-rs’ activation may be high enough to produce severe physiological and psychological disturbances. The available evidence suggests an existing relationship between SC use and psychosis (“Spiceophrenia”). The acute SC intoxication is usually characterized by tachycardia/hypertension; visual/auditory hallucinations; mydriasis; agitation/anxiety; tachypnoea; nausea/vomiting; and seizures. Research limitations/implications – The absence of clinical trials and longitudinal studies, together with the heterogeneity of SC compounds does not facilitate a precise assessment of the health risks related to their use, with long-term effects being of particular concern. Originality/value – Appropriate, non-judgemental, prevention campaigns with a special focus on the differences between SC and cannabis may need to be organized on a large scale. At the same time, clinicians need to be regularly updated about novel psychoactive substances, including SC, to promptly recognize signs/symptoms of intoxication.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on cannabis for anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review | 2020 | Systematic review | |
| Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties | 2020 | Systematic review | |
| What are the psychological effects of using synthetic cannabinoids? A systematic review Synthetic cannabinoid users, natural cannabis users, and non-users from 17 studies | 2019 | Systematic review | |
| Subjective, behavioral and neurobiological effects of cannabis and cannabinoids in social anxiety. Patients with social anxiety disorder or healthy volunteers performing tasks that... | 2024 | Systematic review | |
| Cannabis and Anxiety: A Critical Review | 2024 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Novel psychoactive substances of interest for psychiatry World Psychiatry February 1, 2016
- Legal highs: staying on top of the flood of novel psychoactive substances Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology January 26, 2015
- The “Endless Trip” among the NPS Users: Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology in the Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder. A Systematic Review Frontiers in Psychiatry November 20, 2017
- Novel psychoactive substances: the pharmacology of stimulants and hallucinogens Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology March 17, 2016
- New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) – a Challenge for the Addiction Treatment Services Pharmacopsychiatry April 25, 2017
and 3 more in the library
Cites 18
- High-potency cannabis and the risk of psychosis The British Journal of Psychiatry November 30, 2009
- Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 2011
- Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research April 1, 2006
- “Spiceophrenia”: a systematic overview of “Spice”‐related psychopathological issues and a case report Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental July 1, 2013
- Psychoactive drug or mystical incense? Overview of the online available information on Spice products International Journal of Culture and Mental Health December 1, 2009
and 13 more in the library