What is synthetic cannabis?
Synthetic cannabis (synthetic marijuana), technically known as synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, are designer drugs that mimic the effects of cannabis. They are sprayed onto a smokable herbal base material.
Several families of psychoactive artificial cannabinoids are used as designer drugs. They are sold as ‘natural highs’ under many brand names, such as K2 and Spice.
The precise composition and doses in synthetic cannabis are not known, so its effects are not completely clear. No official studies have been conducted on the effects of synthetic cannabinoids on humans, as is often the case with illegal and potentially toxic compounds. However, reports describing the effects seen in patients seeking medical care after taking synthetic cannabinoids have been published.
Effects and risks
Most studies have focused on the ill effects of synthetic cannabis and have reported a worsening of psychosis, anxiety and agitation. These reports are consistent with the adverse effects of plant cannabis.
Compared with cannabis and its active cannabinoid THC, the adverse effects are often much more severe. They can include hypertension, tachycardia, myocardial infarction, agitation, vomiting, hallucinations, psychoses, seizures, convulsions and panic attacks.
Among people who need emergency treatment after using synthetic cannabis, the most common symptoms are an accelerated heartbeat, high blood pressure, nausea, blurred vision, hallucinations and agitation. Other symptoms include epileptic seizures, acute psychosis and heart attacks.
Drug detection
Synthetic cannabis use does not cause a positive urine drug test for cannabis, THC, their metabolites or other cannabinoids when standard onsite testing devices or laboratory immunological screening procedures are used.
To detect synthetic cannabinoids or their metabolites, specifically targeted screening methods are needed. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is most often used for confirmation and quantitation.