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Spice: a legal marijuana equivalent
Lucas A Johnson1, Rebecca L Johnson, Chris Alfonzo
1III Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Unit 35640, FPO AP 96606-5640.
Military Medicine
|June 28, 2011
Summary
Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid herbal mixture, is increasingly abused by young adults for narcotic effects. Limited literature exists on its clinical impact, with a case report on psychosis highlighting this knowledge gap.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Spice, an herbal mixture containing synthetic cannabinoids, is a legal drug.
- Increasing abuse is noted among adolescents and young adults.
- The drug produces narcotic-like effects.
Observation:
- A paucity of English language literature exists on the clinical effects of Spice use.
- This study includes a case report of substance-induced psychosis.
- A summary of available literature on Spice is presented.
Findings:
- Synthetic cannabinoid use can lead to substance-induced psychosis.
- Clinical effects of Spice are not well-documented in English literature.
- Adolescents and young adults are a key demographic for Spice abuse.
Implications:
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical effects and risks of Spice.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of potential psychosis associated with Spice use.
- Public health initiatives may be necessary to address adolescent and young adult abuse of synthetic cannabinoids.
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