What are synthetic cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids are a class of drugs that are designed to mimic the effects of THC, the primary psychoactive component of natural cannabis. These drugs are typically created by spraying synthetic cannabinoids onto plant material, usually traditional smoking herbs such as damiana, marshmallow or mullein. which is then smoked or consumed in other ways. One of the most common synthetic cannabinoids is JWH-018, but there are many others that are also used recreationally.

History

The first synthetic cannabinoids were created in the 1980s as part of research into the endocannabinoid system. However, it wasn't until the early 2000s that these drugs began to appear on the recreational drug market. The first product to go mainstreeam in headshops worldwide was Spice. Herbal weed substitutes had been available in headshops since the 1960's, however most were either bunk or at best gave an effect like smoking leaf. But Spice was different. It worked. The high was not as nice as cannabis, but it had a definate psychoactive effect comparable with THC. Spice listed several exotic herbs as its active ingredients, but eventually lab testing confirmed Spice has been sprayed with the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018. Knee jerk reaction from governments around the world resulted in JWH-018 becoming prohibited and set off a game of cat and mouse around the planet as manufacturers scrambled to come up with new chemicals before the government had a chance to ban them. Unfortunetly the newer chemicals tended to be stronger and more dangerous. Finally the New Zealand government tried to regulate synthetic cannabinoids and sell legally via lisenced vendors. Unfortunetly they lisenced many cowboy operators, which then led to them doing a complete U-turn, and banning all psychoactive substances. This pushed the trade in synthetic cannabinoids underground right into the hands of criminals who had little regard for quality controls or their customeres health. Sadly prohibition failed and synthetic cannabinoids have since then claimed the lives of dozens of New Zealanders. A simple solution would be to legalize safer natural cannabis.

Chemistry

Synthetic cannabinoids are typically made by synthesizing specific chemicals that are designed to bind to the same receptors as THC. However, because these drugs are created in a laboratory, their chemical structures can be modified to produce different effects or to circumvent drug laws. This has led to a proliferation of different synthetic cannabinoids, each with its own unique chemical structure.

Pharmacology

Synthetic cannabinoids work by binding to the same receptors in the brain and body as THC. However, because their chemical structures are different from THC, their effects can be much stronger and more unpredictable. Synthetic cannabinoids have been shown to cause a wide range of physical and psychological effects, including increased heart rate, anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.

Positive effects

There are few positive effects associated with synthetic cannabinoids. Some users report feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception, but these effects are often overshadowed by the negative effects of the drug.

Negative effects

Synthetic cannabinoids are associated with a wide range of negative effects, including:

• Anxiety and paranoia
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Kidney damage
• Addiction and withdrawal symptoms
• Use may be fatal

Recreational use

Synthetic cannabinoids were often used as a substitute for cannabis, especially in countries like New Zealand, where natural cannabis is prohibited or where work place urine testing makes using natural cannabis risky. They were typically sold under a variety of names, such as Spice and K2, and were found in head shops, dairies, and online. Since being prohibited the trade has shifted underground and the products have become far more dangerpous thanks to the usual problems prohibition brings like loss of quality controls. Substances around now days include 5F-ADB, AB-FUBINACA, AMB-FUBINACA and JWH-122, however there are hundreds of synthetic cannabinoids in existance. The products are commonly smoked, often in a home made bong, however while they were legal there were also products designed for oral consumption.

Medicinal use

Originally developed for medicinal use synthetic cannabinoids may have some medicinal potential, however there are currently no accepted medicinal uses nor products available.

Combinations

Synthetic cannabinoids are often combined with other drugs, such as alcohol or methamphetamine, to create new and more dangerous synergies. These combinations can increase the risk of overdose and other negative effects including death.

Addiction and harm potential

Synthetic cannabinoids are highly addictive and can cause a wide range of physical and psychological harms. Continued use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, and can also increase the risk of long-term physical and mental health problems.

Warnings

Because of the unpredictable and dangerous effects of synthetic cannabinoids, it is strongly recommended that individuals avoid using these drugs altogether. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to synthetic cannabinoids or other drugs, seek professional help immediately.

Conclusion

While early synthetic cannabinoid products that were regulated under the psychoactive suybstances act may have had some medicinal or recreational potential, since being pushed underground synthetic cannabinoids have become a dangerous class of drugs that can cause a wide range of negative effects. Understanding their history, chemistry, pharmacology, and potential harms is important in preventing their use and promoting public health and safety. Governments of the world must now urgently legalize the recreational use of safer natural cannabis. Cannabis law reform will eliminate the synthetic cannabinoid trade and save lives.

References

• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). DrugFacts: Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2/Spice).
• European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. (2018). Synthetic cannabinoids in Europe.
• NZ Drug Foundation - Synthetic Cannabinoids https://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/info/drug-index/synthetic-cannabinoids/

This article is intended as a general guide for educational and harm reduction purposes. You can read more articles like this one in our encyclopedia. Did you enjoy reading this article and do you like to write? If so we are looking for writers.