Screening of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Herbal Mixtures Using 1-Dodecanethiol-Gold Nanoclusters

Abstract Introduction: Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are chemical substances similar to tetrahydrocannabinol that are used as illicit drugs and often smoked as recreational herbal mixtures. The usage of SCs is rapidly increasing worldwide. The adverse effects of SCs are wide ranging, and span from mild behavioral changes to death. The knowledge regarding gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of SCs use is sparse. Methods: Medical records of patients with presentations to the hospital due to SCs use between January 2014 and February 2018 were retrieved from Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital’s computerized database. The records were reviewed for clinical outcomes and laboratory tests. Results: Fifty-five patients were identified with hospital presentations due to SCs use. Twenty-one out of 55 patients (38%) reported GI complaints, with the most common being abdominal pain and vomiting. 28% had recurrent emergency department presentations due to abdominal pain and 66% presented with leukocytosis. Serum lactate was elevated in 66% of patients with GI manifestations. One patient had an abnormal computerized tomography (CT) abdominal angiography scan, which was compatible with intestinal ischemia. Discussion and conclusions: The clinical spectrum of GI manifestations in SCs intoxication ranges from mild symptoms including abdominal pain and vomiting to intestinal ischemia. Clinicians should be aware that abdominal pain and other GI complaints can be associated with SCs usage.

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The synthetic cannabinoids: JWH, four years of analysis

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.123 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S115-S116 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

L. Galindo ◽

M. Grifell ◽

P. Quintana ◽

A. Palma ◽

J. Tirado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cannabinoid Receptors ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Legal Highs ◽

Energy Control ◽

Competing Interest ◽

Herbal Mixtures

IntroductionSince 2004, herbal mixtures for smoking use have been sold under the generic brand “Spice”. Many of them contain synthetic cannabinoids (agonists of the cannabinoid receptors). JWH-018 was one of the first spice drugs. There is no scientific evidence of their effects on humans, except cases of intoxications and users opinions.ObjectiveThe present study describes the presence of the synthetic cannabinoids JWH's and their characteristics in the samples delivered for analysis to the harm reduction NGO Energy Control from 2010 to 2014 in Spain.MethodsFrom 15,814 samples analyzed from 2010 to 2014, those containing synthetic cannabinoids JWH's were studied (n = 47). Analysis was done by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom these 47 samples containing JWH, 55% were delivered as “legal highs” (n = 21) and 44% as JWH. Most common presentations were powder 47% and herbals 32%. Samples containing JWH 45%(n = 21) were mixed with more than one kind of JWH or were adulterated and other active principles were found 28% (n = 13) JWH-018, 11% (n = 5) JWH-210, 8% (n = 4) JWH-081 and the 6% WH-250 (n = 3). Origin of the sample was Catalunya 23% (n = 11), other provinces of Spain 46% (n = 22); other EU countries 23% (n = 11) and internet-unknown country 8% (n = 8). From the (n = 47) samples, were delivered (n = 16) in 2012, (n = 12) in 2013, (n = 11) in 2011, (n = 3) in 2010 and (n = 3) in 2014.ConclusionJWH'S represent a low percentage of new psychoactive substances analyzed. Its presence in the market seems decreasing.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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