scholarly journals Recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids: prevalence, intoxication, side effects, addictive potential

2020 ◽  
pp. 27-35
Author(s):  
А.В. Анцыборов ◽  
О.В. Камплицкая ◽  
М.В. Овсянников ◽  
К.В. Стадник ◽  
Л.Ф. Панченко
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Urgent Task ◽  
Addictive Potential ◽  
Recreational Use

С появлением на нелегальном рынке наркотиков новых психоактивных веществ, одно из первых в данном классе стали занимать синтетические каннабиноиды (СК). СК в основном распространяются через сеть Интернет, с помощью онлайн мессенджеров, и VPN-сетей. Токсическое влияние СК на организм человека оказывается достаточно мощным и нередко заканчивается летальным исходом. Однако аддиктивный потенциал СК достаточно высок, и нуждается в дальнейшем изучении, особенно с появлением новых классов СК. Разработка дифференциально-диагностических критериев и терапевтических подходов при лечении острых психотических состояний, вызванных употреблением СК, представляется актуальной задачей для практического здравоохранения. Цель: обзор накопленных научных данных о последствиях рекреационного употребления СК на организм человека. Материалы: при написании обзора использовали следующие репрезентативные базы данных: PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane, платформы SciFinder, и Scopus. Методы: в качестве поисковых запросов использовались следующие ключевые слова: Spice, K2, synthetic cannabis, new psychoactive sub-stances (NPS), adverse effects, cannabinoid’s receptor, psychosis due to the use NPS, fatalities. Реферируемые статьи были отфильтрованы по тезисам, с целью определения релевантности для настоящего обзора. With the emergence of novel psychoactive substances in the illegal drug market, synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) became one of the first in this class. SCs are mainly distributed through the Internet, by online messengers and VPN networks. The toxic effect of SCs on the human body is quite powerful and often results in death. The addictive potential of SCs is rather high and needs further study, especially with the emergence of new SC classes. Development of differential diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches in the treatment of acute psychotic conditions caused by the use of SCs is an urgent task for practical health care. Objective: to review scientific data on consequences of the recreational use of SCs in humans. Materials: data from six representative databases, PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane, the SciFinder platform, and Scopus, were used for this review. Methods: the following combinations and keywords were used as search queries: Spice, K2, synthetic cannabis, novel psychoactive substances (NPS), adverse effects, cannabinoid’s receptor, psychosis due to the use of NPS, fatalities. Peer-reviewed articles were filtered by abstracts to determine their relevance for the present review.

Novel psychoactive substances

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S59-S60 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Orsolini ◽  
D. Papanti ◽  
R. Vecchiotti ◽  
A. Valchera ◽  
J. Corkery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Drug Culture ◽  
Traditional Drug ◽  
Rapid Pace ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Vast Range

Over the last decade, the “traditional” drug scene has been supplemented – but not replaced – by the emergence of a range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), which are either newly created or existing drugs, including medications, now being used in novel ways. By the end of 2015, in excess of 700 NPS had been reported by a large number of countries in the world. Most recent data show however that synthetic cathinones; synthetic cannabinoids; and psychedelics/phenethylamines; account for the largest number of NPS. Given the vast range of medical and psychopathological issues associated with the molecules here described, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the effects and toxicity of NPS. The “Drugs 2.0.” revolution facilitated the birth and growth of an “Online Drug Culture” which finds its main expression in chats/fora/blogs as well as the diffusion of online drug marketplaces (both in the surface and deep web). The web has progressively modified the drug market from a “street” into a “virtual” one, so by increasing the availability of new drugs/NPS/“legal highs” (“legal alternatives” to the traditional illegal drugs). The rapid pace of change in the NPS online market constitutes a major challenge to the provision of current and reliable scientific knowledge on these substances. The present lecture aims at providing an overview of the NPS phenomenon, also giving an overview of the main clinical and pharmacological issues relating to these most popular NPS categories.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Novel psychoactive substances in a psychiatric young adults sample: A multicenter, observational study

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S311-S311
Author(s):  
M. Lupi ◽  
T. Acciavatti ◽  
S. Marini ◽  
E. Cinosi ◽  
R. Santacroce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Multicenter Observational Study ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Population

IntroductionComorbidities between psychiatric diseases and consumption of traditional substances of abuse are common. Nevertheless, there is no data regarding the use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the psychiatric population.ObjectivesThe purpose of this multicentre survey is to investigate the consumption of a wide variety of psychoactive substances in a young psychiatric sample.MethodsBetween September 2013 and November 2015, a questionnaire has been administered, in ten Italian psychiatric care facilities, to a sample of 671 psychiatric patients (48.5% men; 51.5% women), aged between 18 and 26 years (mean age: 22.24).Results8.2% of the sample declared use of NPS at least once in a lifetime and 2.2% have assumed NPS in the last three months. The NPS more used were synthetic cannabinoids (4.5%), followed by methamphetamine (3.6%). The three psychiatric diagnosis with more frequent NPS consumption were bipolar disorder (23.1%), personality disorders (11.8%) and schizophrenia and related disorders (11.6%). Bipolar disorder was associated with NPS consumption (P < .001). Among the illicit drugs investigated, 31.4% of the sample was cannabis smoker and 10.7% cocaine user. Moreover, 70.6% of the sample declared alcohol use and 47.7% had binge drinking conducts. In univariate regression analysis, bipolar disorder was positive associated with binge drinking while obsessive compulsive disorder resulted negative associated.ConclusionsThe use of novel psychoactive substances in a young psychiatric population appears to be a frequent phenomenon, probably still underestimated. Bipolar disorder shows an association with NPS use. Therefore, careful and constant monitoring and accurate evaluations of possible clinical effects related to their use are necessary.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Electrochemical Strategies for the Screening of Synthetic Cannabinoid BB-22 (QUCHIC) within a Toxicological Specimen

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anaam Ameen ◽  
Kelly Brown ◽  
Lynn Dennany
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Screening Strategy ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Sample Analysis ◽  
Primary Metabolite ◽  
Biological Matrix ◽  
Improve Treatment ◽  
Treatment Administration

Abstract Synthetic Cannabinoids (SC) are amongst the most prevalent class of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) which have emerged. The increase in hospitalisation and fatalities as a result of the prevalence of these SC and their abuse, highlights the necessity for the rapid and reliable screening for the substance within toxicological samples. Being able to rapidly screen for these substances would aim to improve overdose triage and ultimately improve treatment administration. Not only this but it would have further advantages for in-field applications such as the identification of drivers under the influence. To this avail we investigate the ability of a simple electrochemical screening strategy for the detection of SC, BB-22 and its primary metabolite BB-22-3-Carboxyindole. Assessment of the feasibility of the strategy for implementation into toxicological sample analysis was performed through detection not only under ideal electrolyte conditions (down to 5 µM for BB-22 and 2 µM for its metabolite) but also within the complex biological matrix of human pooled serum (between 200 and 700 µM), a relevant matrix it would likely encounter if employed within this field.

scholarly journals Motives for Classical and Novel Psychoactive Substances Use in Psychedelic Polydrug Users

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannes Kettner ◽  
Natasha L. Mason ◽  
Kim P. C. Kuypers
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Motivational Patterns ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Harm Prevention ◽  
Legal Frameworks ◽  
Educational Campaigns

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are compounds designed to mimic the effects of existing recreational drugs (classical psychoactive substances [CPS]), while eluding established legal frameworks. Little is known about their effects and potential harms, rendering the increasing number of NPS a challenge to policy makers and researchers alike. Quantitative studies on the motives underlying NPS use are limited, though understanding them is crucial for the design of effective harm prevention strategies. The present study therefore aimed to compare motivational patterns for NPS, CPS, and legal psychoactive substance (LPS) use. An online survey including questions about lifetime drug use, demographics, and motives for use was completed by 2,319 participants of which 1,967 consented and were 18 years or older. Data on lifetime use and endorsed motives are presented for 12 psychoactive substances classified into LPS (alcohol, nicotine), CPS (cannabis, MDMA/ecstasy, amphetamines, cocaine, psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca), and NPS (synthetic cannabinoids, stimulant, and hallucinogenic) and compared between classes. Across substances, the most frequently endorsed motives were to feel euphoric (58.0%), enhance an activity (52.3%), and broaden consciousness (48.1%). Motives for use were found to differ by substance and gender, with coping-related reasons being more frequent among female participants compared to males who indicated to use for a broad range of reasons. Motivational patterns of CPS and NPS use were largely similar to their classical analogues, this was not the case for synthetic cannabinoids, which had as main endorsed motive getting intoxicated, indiscriminate of specific qualities. This information can feed into tailoring of educational campaigns and prevention strategies.

scholarly journals Clinical and analytical experience of the National Poison Control Centre with synthetic cannabinoids

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slavica Vučinić ◽  
Vesna Kilibarda ◽  
Snežana Đorđević ◽  
Dragana Đorđević ◽  
Nataša Perković-Vukčević ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Illegal Drug ◽  
Poison Control ◽  
National Poison ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Control Centre ◽  
Poison Control Centre

AbstractA rising number of patients are being treated for overdosing with new psychoactive substances (NPS) available at the illegal drug market in Serbia. The aim of this study was to report clinical and analytical experience of the National Poison Control Centre of Serbia (NPCC) with synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) and point to the NPS available at the illegal drug market in our country. From January 2013 to December 2016, 58 patients (aged between 14 and 25) were treated for the effects of synthetic cannabinoids at the NPCC. Tachycardia was established in 53, mydriasis in 31, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, and agitation in 16, dizziness in 10, disorientation in 9, dyspnoea and chest pain in 4, and loss of consciousness, pallor, paraesthesia, muscle twitches, and short-term memory impairment in 2 patients. After receiving symptomatic and supportive treatment in the emergency ward, all patients had fully recovered within 8 h and were discharged shortly afterwards. Another part of the study was focused on the analysis of the products known under their local street names as “Biljni tamjan” (herbal incense), “Beli slez”, and “Rainbow Special” and the analysis of urine sampled from the patients with gas chromatography - mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. The detected synthetic cannabinoids were AB-PINACA, JWH-018, JWH-122, JWH-210, 5F-AKB48, and MDMB-CHMICA in herbal products and AB-FUBINACA, AB-CHMINACA, and MDMB-CHMICA in the urine samples. Our findings have shown the great capacity of NPCC to I) monitor NPS abuse in Serbia, II) reliably detect SCs in illicit products and biological samples, and III) clinically manage the adverse effects in their users. Future commitments of the NPCC will include systematic collection of relevant data on SCs and their adverse effects, detection of changes in purity and composition of the controlled NPS-based products, and raising the public awareness of NPS to improve the effectiveness of the national Early Warning System.

scholarly journals The e-Psychonauts’ ‘Spiced’ World; Assessment of the Synthetic Cannabinoids’ Information Available Online

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 966-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Zangani ◽  
Fabrizio Schifano ◽  
Flavia Napoletano ◽  
Davide Arillotta ◽  
Liam Gilgar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Large Range ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Web Crawling ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Web Crawler ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Wide Range

Background: A wide range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) is regularly searched and discussed online by web-based drug enthusiasts (i.e. the e-psychonauts). Among NPS, the range of synthetic cannabinoids (SC; ‘Spice’) currently represents a challenge for governments and clinicians. Methods: Using a web crawler (i.e. the NPS.Finder®), the present study aimed at assessing psychonauts’ fora/platforms to better understand the online mentions of SC. Results: The open-web crawling/navigating software identified here some 1,103 synthetic cannabinoids. Of these, 863 molecules were not listed in either the international or the European NPS databases. Conclusions: A web crawling approach helped here in identifying a large range of unknown SC likely to possess a misuse potential. Most of these novel/emerging molecules are still relatively unknown. This is a reason for concern; each of these analogues potentially presents different toxicodynamic profiles and there is a lack of docking, preclinical, and clinical observations. Strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration between clinicians and bioinformatics may prove useful in better assessing SC-associated public health risks.

scholarly journals Recent Changes in Drug Abuse Scenarios: The New/Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Phenomenon

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Schifano
Keyword(s):  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
New Novel ◽  
Vast Range

Over the last decade, the emergence of a vast range of new/novel/emerging psychoactive substances (NPS) has progressively changed drug market scenarios, which have shifted from the ‘street’ to a ‘virtual’/online environment. [...]

scholarly journals Designer drugs – still a threat?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emil Bartosz Rozenek ◽  
Karolina Wilczyńska ◽  
Monika Górska ◽  
Napoleon Waszkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Designer Drugs ◽  
Designer Drug ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Market State ◽  
Polish Law

INTRODUCTION.In Poland, an increasing number of psychoactive substances are becoming prohibited by law as psychotropic or narcotic substances, or as new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Owing to the enormous technological possibilities offered by today's science, synthesis of new derivatives of prohibited compounds is no longer a problem. The moment a dangerous substance is outlawed, new designer drugs (in Poland known as ‘dopalacze’) appear on the market. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE.An amendment to the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction issued in July 2018 made it possible for the NPS to be considered drugs by law. Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinone derivatives make up the majority of NPSs identified by the authorities in Poland. Synthetic cannabinoids which can, unlike cannabinoid receptor agonists of plant origin, cause death by somatic toxicity, are particularly dangerous. The ability to quickly recognize poisoning with synthetic opioids is crucial, since an antidote reversing the depressive effect of opioids on the respiratory center can be administered. SUMMARY.This work collects the most important and up-to-date information on designer drugs, based on reports and articles published between 2015 and 2019. The covered aspects include: the current definition of designer drugs in relation to the Polish law, their exact division due to the clinical effects they cause and the description of the threats they pose. Emphasis was given to the current situation of the designer drug market in Poland.

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