[The illegal synthetic cannabinoid drug market in Israel - evolution and new challenges]

This article represents a short review of the current knowledge on the abuse of synthetic cannabinoids from the perspective of the Division of Enforcement and Inspection of the Israeli Ministry of Health - a body in charge of providing professional assistance to law enforcement bodies in the fields of drug abuse. We describe the principal changes observed in the synthetic cannabinoid market and the Israeli legislators' and enforcement bodies' attempts to cope with these phenomena. These changes relate to the types of synthetic cannabinoids being trafficked, with many structural variations between substances, and a new legal framework which allows for the rapid, temporary scheduling of synthetic cannabinoids using both individual and generic definitions. Despite changes in legislation, we are currently witnessing the adaptation of the synthetic cannabinoid drug market to the new legal reality and enforcement practices. A considerable part of synthetic cannabinoid trafficking is carried out using phone orders, or has moved to the internet and social networks, thus making its detection difficult for enforcement bodies. Current trafficking practices represent a growing challenge for enforcement bodies. Hence, there is a need for cooperation between enforcement bodies, the Israeli Ministry of Health and health practitioners in identifying new substances, and characterizing their harms.