Self-reported Use of K2/Spice for Appetite Stimulation: A Case Report

This case report explores the use of K2/Spice (synthetic cannabinoids) in a patient as an appetite stimulant. The effects of synthetic cannabinoids range widely but are more commonly known to suppress appetite in the cannabinoid-naive. Our patient was not cannabinoid- naive and had used cannabis before. Rat models have demonstrated results similar to those in this patient, who had prior tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure resulting in appetite stimulation rather than suppression when exposed to a synthetic cannabinoid. This is likely explained by other rat models that have shown long-term use of cannabis resulting in receptor downregulation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB-1).