Symptoms of Intoxication and Withdrawal in a sample of patients using Synthetic Cannabinoids

Abstract

Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) which contain Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCs) have recently started to be used recreationally, especially by young adults. In contrast to the decline in use of many NPSs such as the cathinones and piperazines, it appears that the number of SC users is increasing. Although SC drugs mimic the psychotropic effects of cannabis, their undesired effects are unpredictable and more severe than those associated with cannabis.

The majority of SC detected in herbal products have greater binding affinity to the cannabinoid CB1 receptor than does Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, and greater affinity at the CB1 than the CB2 receptor. In-vitro and animal in-vivo studies show SC pharmacological effects 2-100 times more potent than THC.

Clinical case reports describe a variety of physical effects ranging in severity from nausea to more serious sympathomimetic-like symptoms such as psychomotor agitation, diaphoresis, and palpitations.

This thesis was designed aiming at covering the following areas in the theoretical part: (1) An overview about History, chemical structure, Epidemiology, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of SC and (2) An overview about Diagnosis of Synthetic Cannabinoid Use, Clinical Effects of Use and Management.