'Synthetic cannabis': A dangerous misnomer.
Shane Darke, Samuel Banister, Michael Farrell, Johan Duflou, Julia Lappin
The International journal on drug policy December 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103396 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe term 'synthetic cannabis' is a misnomer for a group of drugs that should instead be called synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs). These substances differ substantially from delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of action, and physiological effects, exhibiting greater potency and efficacy along with psychostimulant-like properties. The authors argue that the misnomer has negative clinical and public health implications, and that adopting the term SCRAs could reduce confusion and harms. The constant evolution of this drug class requires distinct policy responses regarding terminology, harm reduction, epidemiology, treatment, and legal status.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Cannabinoids Morbidity Synthetic cannabis Toxicity Toxicology |
| Key finding | Argues that substances referred to as 'synthetic cannabis' should instead be called synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) because they differ substantially from THC and the misnomer has negative clinical and public health implications. |
Abstract
The term 'synthetic cannabis' has been widely used in public discourse to refer to a group of cannabinoid receptor agonists. In this paper we detail the characteristics of these drugs, and present the case that the term is a misnomer. We describe the pharmacodynamics of these drugs, their epidemiology, mechanisms of action, physiological effects and how these differ substantially from delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We argue that not only is the term a misnomer, but it is one with negative clinical and public health implications. Rather, the substances referred to as 'synthetic cannabis' in public discourse should instead be referred to consistently as synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs), a drug class distinct from plant-derived cannabinoids. SCRAs have greater potency and efficacy, and psychostimulant-like properties. While such terminology may be used in the scientific community, it is not widely used amongst the media, general public, people who use these drugs or may potentially do so. A new terminology has the potential to reduce the confusion and harms that result from the misnomer 'synthetic cannabis'. The constant evolution of this distinct drug class necessitates a range of distinct policy responses relating to terminology, harm reduction, epidemiology, treatment, and legal status.