JWH-122 Consumption Adverse Effects: A Case of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder Five-Year Follow-Up

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are cannabis substitutes linked to severe intoxication.
• SCRAs are functionally similar to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Observation:

• A case of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is described.
• The patient was a regular cannabis user who consumed JWH-122, a common synthetic cannabinoid.
• Symptoms persisted for four years.

Findings:

• JWH-122 consumption triggered HPPD in a natural cannabis user.
• Clonazepam treatment effectively alleviated the persistent HPPD symptoms.
• The patient's long-term symptoms may be linked to concurrent cannabis use.

Implications:

• Cannabis use may increase susceptibility to developing HPPD from synthetic cannabinoids.
• This case highlights the potential for long-term psychiatric effects from synthetic cannabinoids.
• Further research is needed on the interaction between natural cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid-induced HPPD.