Synthetic Cannabinoids (“Spice”) — Relatively New Drugs of Abuse

Synthetic cannabinoids (Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinols; also known as “spice” or “K2”) have become relatively popular drugs of abuse. Herbal mixtures are laced with these compounds and are sold in small packages at “head shops” or gas stations, or on the Internet. Synthetic cannabinoids have high affinity for cannabinoid receptors and are promoted as alternatives to marijuana.

Researchers summarized 1353 single-agent exposures to synthetic cannabinoids that were reported to the U.S. National Poison Data System between January and October 2010. Median patient age was 20. Clinical effects included tachycardia (40%), agitation (23%), vomiting (15%), lethargy (14%), confusion (12%), hallucinations or delusions (9%), and seizures (4%). One death occur…