Adverse Reactions to Synthetic Cannabinoids Put a Strain on Emergency Services

During a recent outbreak in Anchorage, Alaska, synthetic cannabinoid use accounted for 10% of ambulance transports and one third of emergency department visits.

An outbreak of emergency department (ED) visits for adverse reactions to synthetic cannabinoids (SCs; e.g., Spice, K2) in Anchorage, Alaska prompted a public health investigation.

From July 2015 to March 2016, there were 1351 emergency medical services (EMS) transports to EDs in Anchorage for SC-associated reactions, accounting for 10% of transports. (The proportion during the previous 1.5 years was 0.09%.) The 535 unique patients were mostly male (80%), ranged in age from 12 to 69 years, and were each transported an average of 4.6 times.

In November 2015, the city passed an ordinance that increased penalties for possession, use, and sale of SCs. The daily mean number of SC-related transports dropped significantly from 7.1 before passage of t…

Reviewing Author

Cara Adler, MS

Adverse Reactions to Synthetic Cannabinoids Put a Strain on Emergency Services

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Reviewing Author