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Synthetic cannabinoid products, disguised as incense, pose risks to young adults. These substances can cause cannabis-like effects, mood changes, and potential psychosis, necessitating clinical suspicion for accurate diagnosis.

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Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Psychiatry
  • Adolescent Medicine

Background:

  • Synthetic cannabinoid products are increasingly used by adolescents and young adults.
  • Marketed as incense, these products contain synthetic cannabinoids causing psychoactive effects similar to cannabis.
  • Emerging literature links their use to anxiety and negative mood changes, distinct from typical cannabis intoxication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To inform clinicians about the characteristics and potential adverse effects of synthetic cannabinoid product use.
  • To outline diagnostic indicators for identifying synthetic cannabinoid product use in clinical settings.
  • To emphasize the need for increased clinical awareness and suspicion regarding these substances.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on synthetic cannabinoid product effects and clinical presentations.
  • Analysis of reported cases and emerging research findings.
  • Development of clinical suspicion criteria for diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Synthetic cannabinoid use can lead to cognitive, behavioral, mood, and perceptual changes.
  • Association with new-onset or exacerbated psychosis is noted, though a definitive causal link is not established.
  • Key indicators for suspicion include cannabis-like symptoms with negative toxicology screens or unexplained psychosis.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians should suspect synthetic cannabinoid product use in patients presenting with cannabis-like symptoms and negative toxicology, or unexplained psychosis.
  • Familiarity with the effects of synthetic cannabinoids and a high index of suspicion are crucial for diagnosis.
  • Further research is needed to establish definitive links between synthetic cannabinoids and psychosis.