Clinical Manifestations in Patients Hospitalized for Synthetic Cannabinoid Ingestion

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) ― commonly known as K2, Spice, or fake weed ― have potent neuropsychological effects that derive from often-unknown chemicals sprayed on inert plant materials that are consumed by smoking. This case series describes the clinical manifestations of 30 consecutive patients (mean age, 41; 80% men; nearly half homeless) who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a New York hospital between 2014 and 2016 for SC intoxication.

The primary clinical manifestations that led to ICU admission were neurological and pulmonary, including coma (10 patients), agitation (10), seizure (6), and acute respiratory failure (18). A total of 21 patients required intubation; 10 patients had QT prolongation, and 8 had rhabdomyoly…