Baths Salts, Spice, and Related Designer Drugs: The Science Behind the Headlines
Michael H. Baumann, Ernesto Solis, Lucas R. Watterson, Julie A. Marusich, William E Fantegrossi, Jenny L Wiley
Journal of Neuroscience November 12, 2014 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3223-14.2014 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Synthetic cannabinoids Designer drug Recreational drug Drugs of abuse Pharmacology Toxicology Receptor |
| Citations | 157 |
| Key findings | Synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids can produce dangerous medical consequences at high doses or with chronic exposure, including psychosis, violent behaviors, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and death. |
Abstract
The abuse of synthetic psychoactive substances known as "designer drugs," or "new psychoactive substances" (NPS), is increasing at an alarming rate. NPS are purchased as alternatives to traditional illicit drugs of abuse and are manufactured to circumvent laws regulating the sale and use of controlled substances. Synthetic cathinones (i.e., "bath salts") and synthetic cannabinoids (i.e., "spice") are two types of NPS that have received substantial media attention. Although low recreational doses of bath salts or spice compounds can produce desirable effects, high doses or chronic exposure often leads to dangerous medical consequences, including psychosis, violent behaviors, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and even death. Despite the popularity of NPS, there is a paucity of scientific data about these drugs. Here we provide a brief up-to-date review describing the mechanisms of action and neurobiological effects of synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids.