Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
06:06
Color Spot Test As a Presumptive Tool for the Rapid Detection of Synthetic Cathinones
Published on: February 5, 2018
"Spice" girls: synthetic cannabinoid intoxication.
Aaron B Schneir1, Jennifer Cullen, Binh T Ly
1Division of Medical Toxicology, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, California 92103-8925, USA.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|December 21, 2010
Summary
Synthetic cannabinoid products, known as "Spice," are increasingly used recreationally. Emergency departments are seeing patients, primarily with anxiety, after using these products containing JWH-018 and JWH-073.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Synthetic cannabinoids, often marketed as "Spice" or "K2," are designer drugs of abuse.
- Limited medical literature exists on the adverse effects and emergency department (ED) presentations of synthetic cannabinoid use.
- These substances mimic the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis.
Observation:
- Two patients presented to the emergency department with adverse effects after recreational use of a "Spice" product.
- The "Spice" product was confirmed to contain the synthetic cannabinoids JWH-018 and JWH-073.
- Anxiety was the predominant symptom reported by both patients.
Findings:
- Recreational "Spice" use can lead to emergency department visits.
- Synthetic cannabinoids JWH-018 and JWH-073 were identified as components in the "Spice" product used by patients.
- Anxiety is a significant adverse effect associated with the use of these specific synthetic cannabinoids.
Implications:
- Increased emergency department visits related to synthetic cannabinoid use are anticipated.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the spectrum of intoxication and toxicity associated with various synthetic cannabinoids.
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for synthetic cannabinoid use in patients presenting with unexplained anxiety or psychiatric symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
01:22CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
01:29Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
01:27Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perceptual experiences, generating unreal visual and sensory images. Often referred to as psychedelic drugs — a term derived from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "delos" (revealing) — these substances include marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), among others. These drugs vary in intensity and effects.
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...