Abstract
Synthetic Cannabinoids (CBs) are a novel class of psychoactive substances that have rapidly evolved around the world with the addition of diverse structural modifications to existing molecules which produce new structural analogues that can be associated with serious adverse health effects. Synthetic CBs represent the largest class of drugs detected by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) with a total of 207 substances identified from 2008 to October 2020, and 9 compounds being reported for the first time. Synthetic CBs are sprayed on natural harmless herbs with an aim to mimic the euphoric effect of Cannabis. They are sold under different brand names including Black mamba, spice, K2, Bombay Blue, etc. As these synthetic CBs act as full agonists at the CB receptors, they are much more potent than natural Cannabis and have been increasingly associated with acute to chronic intoxications and death. Due to their potential toxicity and abuse, the US government has listed some synthetic CBs under schedule 1 classification. The present review aims to provide a focused overview of the literature concerning the development of synthetic CBs, their abuse, and potential toxicological effects including renal toxicity, respiratory depression, hyperemesis syndrome, cardiovascular effects, and a range of effects on brain function.
Highlights
Published: 24 September 2021The medicinal properties of the Cannabis sativa plant were included for the first time in the textbook of pharmacology Materia Medica by the Greek and Roman physicians in the first century Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
A literature search was conducted on multidisciplinary research databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science and international agencies or institutional websites including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), U.S Department of Justice, US FDA, US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), US National Institute of Health (NIH), EMCDDA, and European Medicines Agency (EMA) to identify the most relevant literature
Phytocannabinoids from the herb Cannabis sativa have been used for thousands of years for both medicinal and recreational purposes
Summary
The medicinal properties of the Cannabis sativa plant were included for the first time in the textbook of pharmacology Materia Medica by the Greek and Roman physicians in the first century AD. A more accurate description of the physiological effects of this plant was given by the ancient Indian and Chinese writers [1]. Cannabis sativa was originally cultivated in central Asia but subsequently spread to most areas of the world. It grows naturally but, due to its pleasurable psychological effects, is frequently cultivated indoors under artificial light [1]. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is its most recognised phytocannabinoid and major psychoactive compound [2].
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