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Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Pharmacological and Toxicological Overview
Rita Roque-Bravo1, Rafaela Sofia Silva1, Rui F Malheiro1
1Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; email: jpmsilva@ff.up.pt, dsilva@ff.up.pt.
Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology
|August 1, 2022
Summary
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are potent new psychoactive substances (NPSs) with increasing recreational use and public health risks. Understanding their pharmacology and toxicology is crucial for risk awareness and policy making.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are diverse new psychoactive substances (NPSs) that target the endocannabinoid system.
- SCs produce more intense effects than cannabis, leading to increased recreational use and dominance in the NPS market.
- Rising SC-related intoxications and fatalities pose significant public health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacology and toxicology of synthetic cannabinoids.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying SCs' acute and chronic effects.
- To improve risk awareness and inform policy regarding SC use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on synthetic cannabinoid pharmacology and toxicology.
- Analysis of pharmacodynamic and toxicodynamic data.
- Synthesis of information on clinical and pathological findings related to SC use.
Main Results:
- SCs exhibit a wide range of psychoactive effects, often more potent than cannabis.
- Recreational use of SCs has surged due to perceived lower risk and enhanced effects.
- Significant public health concerns arise from increased SC-related intoxications and deaths.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of SC pharmacodynamics and toxicodynamics is essential.
- Characterizing SCs aids in interpreting clinical findings and improving risk assessment.
- Enhanced knowledge is critical for effective policy development and public health interventions.
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