'Synthetic cannabis': A dangerous misnomer

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• The term 'synthetic cannabis' is commonly used to describe synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs).
• This terminology is inaccurate and potentially harmful, leading to confusion and negative public health consequences.
• SCRAs are a distinct class of drugs with different properties than plant-derived cannabinoids like THC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs).
• To argue that 'synthetic cannabis' is a misnomer with negative clinical and public health implications.
• To advocate for the consistent use of the term SCRAs to differentiate them from plant-derived cannabinoids.

Main Methods:

• Review of pharmacodynamics, epidemiology, mechanisms of action, and physiological effects of SCRAs.
• Comparison of SCRAs' properties with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
• Analysis of the implications of current terminology on public health and policy.

Main Results:

• SCRAs differ substantially from THC in their pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of action, and physiological effects.
• SCRAs exhibit greater potency, efficacy, and psychostimulant-like properties compared to THC.
• The misnomer 'synthetic cannabis' contributes to confusion and harms, hindering effective harm reduction and policy development.

Conclusions:

• The term 'synthetic cannabis' is inaccurate and should be replaced with 'synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists' (SCRAs).
• Consistent terminology is crucial for reducing confusion, mitigating harms, and informing appropriate policy responses.
• The evolving nature of SCRAs necessitates distinct strategies for terminology, harm reduction, epidemiology, treatment, and legal regulation.