Abstract
IntroductionDespite decreasing consumption by general populations, use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) persists in some marginalised groups, including those who use other substances. This article explores SCRA consumption in an Australian cannabis treatment sample, comparing those who report ever using SCRAs with those who have never used SCRAs.MethodsA questionnaire orally administered in person to a convenience sample of 154 cannabis treatment service clients from New South Wales, Australia (71% male, median age 35) collected information regarding cannabis and SCRA use including motivations, effects and health-related consequences of use, demographics, other substance use and overall health. Demographic profiles and between-group differences were explored. McNemar tests compared effects of SCRA and cannabis. Logistic regression analysis determined predictors of SCRA use.ResultsHalf (53%) reported lifetime SCRA use; 20% reported previous-month use. The SCRA + cannabis group displayed greater polysubstance use and psychological distress. Reduced dependence on cannabis but higher levels of other substance use may predict SCRA use. Although curiosity motivated initial SCRA consumption, perceived psychoactive strength drove continued use. SCRAs appear to induce more negative side-effects than cannabis. Of the SCRA + cannabis group, 27% sought medical assistance for SCRA use. Most (90%) preferred cannabis to SCRAs, citing superior safety, effects and consistency of cannabis.ConclusionsAmong clients seeking treatment for cannabis use, SCRA use was relatively common, although not a preferred substance. Hazardous substance use and poor mental health characterised SCRA consumers, highlighting the need for continued monitoring by researchers and treatment providers of SCRA consumption in populations who use substances.
Highlights
Despite decreasing consumption by general populations, use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) persists in some marginalised groups, including those who use other substances
Potential participants were over 18 years of age and seeking assistance to manage their cannabis use from specialised cannabis treatment clinics in five local health districts across metropolitan, regional and rural New South Wales (NSW)
The current study examines Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA) use among treatment groups of cannabis consumers in metropolitan and regional areas of New South Wales, Australia
Summary
Despite decreasing consumption by general populations, use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) persists in some marginalised groups, including those who use other substances. This article explores SCRA consumption in an Australian cannabis treatment sample, comparing those who report ever using SCRAs with those who have never used SCRAs. The past decade has seen the emergence of a novel class of drugs known collectively as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). The past decade has seen the emergence of a novel class of drugs known collectively as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) These have proliferated across global drug markets, posing considerable challenges to public health, law enforcement and drug policy Jackson et al J Cannabis Res (2021) 3:33 It is believed that similar protective agents lacking in SCRA’s potentially compound their harmful outcomes, increasing the risk of psychosis in users (Spaderna et al 2013; van Amsterdam et al 2015)
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