Synthetic Cannabinoid Poisonings on the Rise in U.S.

By Cara Adler

Edited by André Sofair, MD, MPH

Acute intoxication from use of synthetic cannabinoids (such as K2 and Spice) increased across the U.S. from 2010 to 2015, according to an MMWR analysis of cases from the Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC).

During that period, 456 patients were treated for synthetic cannabinoid intoxication at 50 ToxIC sites. Three deaths were recorded. Synthetic cannabinoids were the sole toxic exposure in about 60% of patients. Nervous system symptoms were most common, including agitation, coma, and toxic psychosis. Nearly 60% of patients received specific toxicologic treatments; the others were monitored with standard supportive care.

From 2010 to 2015, the greatest increase in cases occurred in the Northeast, largely in New York City.

The authors note that synthetic cannabinoids are 2 to 100 times more potent than cannabis, and there is currently no antidote for them. They call for targeted prevention and education about the "potentially life-threatening consequences of synthetic cannabinoid use."