Analysis of Deaths Related to Synthetic Cannabinoid (“Bonsai”) in Eskişehir, Turkey

Abstract

Introduction, Objective; In literature, there are studies reporting that SC affects many systems such as cardiac, respiratory, urogenital, digestive system and cause death even in the first use. In this study, it is aimed to determine frequency of death resulting from use of SC and also the rate of forensic deaths in Eskisehir province. Method: In this study, cases in which cause of death is related to the use of SC and which are included in forensic deaths that occurred between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016, are going to be included in this study. The rate of cases in which deaths result from SC to the rate of all forensic deaths is going to be detected. Also, demographic data of the cases such as age, gender, educational status, marital status, working status and residence are going to be examined. Findings: Within 6 years-period the study includes, it was determined that 33 people died because of SC. In 2011, the first year that the study includes, the rate of deaths resulting from SC to forensic deaths was 0,3%, and this rate reached up to 3,1% in 2016. It was noted that SC named AM-2201 and JWH-018 (totally n=22, 66,7%) were mostly related to the death. Discussion: In our study, it was observed that the deaths associated with SC increased until 2016. It is known that the use of other synthetic drugs or stimulants has increased in the last 2 years instead of SC. Hence, need for examination, equipment and experience required for identifying and reporting these synthetic substances will increase day by day.