SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS: A NEW GENERATION MARIHUANA -

Synthetic cannabinoids, sold as "herbal incense" under names like Spice and K2, are functionally similar to THC but often stronger and riskier. Common symptoms include loss of consciousness, paranoid hallucinations, pallor, tremors, and seizures; some may have carcinogenic potential. Their popularity among teens and adults has grown rapidly worldwide. In the authors' country, some have been prohibited since 2010 via an Early Warning System, but new formulations evolve quickly, making detection difficult because they lack cross-reactivity in standard drug tests and there is no common mass or ultraviolet library. The authors present a general approach to these compounds.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abuse of products containing synthetic cannabinoids has become a recent concern. Advertised as “herbal incense”, these products are sold at smoke or head shops and over the internet under a variety of names such as “Spice, K2, Super Nova, Yucatan Fire, Diamond and Cloud 9”. Synthetic cannabinoids are functionally similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and mimic the effects of marijuana when smoked. However, many of them are stronger than THC and pose a greater health risk. Short-term loss of consciousness, paranoid hallucinations, pallor, tremors and seizures are common symptoms. At least of synthetic cannabinoids may have carsinogenic potential. The rapid growth in popularity of synthetic cannabinoid use among teens and adults is of serious in our country as all of the world. Some of these compounds were taken the list of prohibited substances in our country since 2010 according to the Early Warning System (EWS). They are preferred because of having an affordable price and no banning by law-enforcement. Formulations of these compound are new and rapidly evolving. For this reason, there is no a common mass or ultraviolet library of synthetic cannabinoids. It is difficult to detect and identify because they do not show cross-reactivity in drug test assays. In this study we aimed to present a general approach to synthetic cannabinoids.