'Synthetic cannabis': A dangerous misnomer.
Shane Darke, Samuel D Banister, Michael Farrell, Johan Duflou, Julia Lappin
International Journal of Drug Policy December 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103396 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Cannabinoids Morbidity Synthetic cannabis Toxicity Toxicology |
| Key points | 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.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta-8, Delta-10, HHC, THC-O, THCP, and THCV: What Should We Call These Products? | 2023 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Model Psychoses Induced by LSD-25 in Normals | 1956 | Historical analysis | |
| Is there a specific ‘cannabis psychosis’? | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Peak-experience and the entheogenic use of cannabis in world religions | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Out of Harm's Way?: Illicit Drug Use, Medicalization and the Law | 2003 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- 5‐HT 2A receptor agonism by tert ‐leucinamide and valinamide synthetic cannabinoids: In vitro and in vivo evidence British Journal of Pharmacology May 5, 2026
- Decoding the Toxicity of Synthetic Cannabinoids: From Receptor Activation to Multiorgan Dysfunction. Medicinal Research Reviews June 24, 2026
Cites 12
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and 7 more in the library