Spicing Up Pharmacology: A Review of Synthetic Cannabinoids From Structure to Adverse Events.
Adv Pharmacol
; 80: 135-168, 2017.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28826533
ABSTRACT
Recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCB), a class of novel psychoactive substances is an increasing public health problem specifically in Western societies, with teenagers, young adults, and the prison population being the most affected. Some of these SCB are analogs of tetrahydrocannabinol, aminoalkylindoles, and other phytocannabinoid analogs have been detected in herbal preparations generically called "Spice." Spice, "K2" or "fake cannabis" is a general term used for variable herbal mixtures of unknown ingredients or chemical composition. SCB are highly potent CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists falsely marketed and sold as safe and legal drugs. Here, we present an overview of the endocannabinoid system, CB, and SCB chemical structures and activity at CB receptors. Finally, we highlight the psychological effects of SCB, particularly on learning and memory, and adverse clinical effects including on the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and CNS, including psychosis. Taken together, it is clear that many SCB are extremely dangerous and a major public health problem.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Cannabinoids
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Adv Pharmacol
Year:
2017
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: