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Spicing things up: synthetic cannabinoids

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Abstract

Rationale

Recently, products containing synthetic cannabinoids, collectively referred to as Spice, are increasingly being used recreationally.

Objectives

The availability, acute subjective effects—including self-reports posted on Erowid—laboratory detection, addictive potential, and regulatory challenges of the Spice phenomenon are reviewed.

Results

Spice is sold under the guise of potpourri or incense. Unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the synthetic cannabinoids present in Spice are high-potency, high-efficacy, cannabinoid receptor full agonists. Since standard urine toxicology does not test for the synthetic cannabinoids in Spice, it is often used by those who want to avoid detection of drug use. These compounds have not yet been subjected to rigorous testing in humans. Acute psychoactive effects include changes in mood, anxiety, perception, thinking, memory, and attention. Adverse effects include anxiety, agitation, panic, dysphoria, psychosis, and bizarre behavior. Psychosis outcomes associated with Spice provide additional data linking cannabinoids and psychosis. Adverse events necessitating intervention by Poison Control Centers, law enforcement, emergency responders, and hospitals are increasing. Despite statutes prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, and sale of Spice products, manufacturers are replacing banned compounds with newer synthetic cannabinoids that are not banned.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need for better research on the effects of synthetic cannabinoids to help clinicians manage adverse events and to better understand cannabinoid pharmacology in humans. The reported psychosis outcomes associated with synthetic cannabinoids contribute to the ongoing debate on the association between cannabinoids and psychosis. Finally, drug detection tests for synthetic cannabinoids need to become clinically available.

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Conflict of interest

Deepak Cyril D’Souza has in the past three years or currently receives research grant support administered through Yale University School of Medicine from Astra Zeneca, Abbott Laboratories, Eli Lilly Inc., Forest Laboratories, Organon, Pfizer Inc., and Sanofi; he is a consultant for Bristol Meyers Squibb and Johnson and Johnson.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA

    Max Spaderna, Peter H. Addy & Deepak Cyril D’Souza

  2. Medical Informatics, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA

    Peter H. Addy

  3. Substance Abuse Treatment Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA

    Peter H. Addy

  4. Schizophrenia Research Program, Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA

    Deepak Cyril D’Souza

  5. Clinical Neurosciences Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, 06508, USA

    Deepak Cyril D’Souza

  6. Psychiatry Service 116A, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Yale University School of Medicine, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA

    Deepak Cyril D’Souza

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  1. Max Spaderna
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Spaderna, M., Addy, P.H. & D’Souza, D.C. Spicing things up: synthetic cannabinoids. Psychopharmacology 228, 525–540 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3188-4

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