Risky recreation: synthetic cannabinoids have dangerous effects.
Use of synthetic marijuana (also known as spice, K2, aroma, and eclipse) is often viewed by young people as harmless recreation. Until recently, the substance was freely available in U.S. convenience stores and head shops, and it is still available via the Internet. Emerging evidence shows a wide range of responses to the drug, including paranoia, aggressive behavior, anxiety, and short-term memory deficits. Synthetic cannabinoids are not currently detectable via standard toxicology tests. Recognition and management of synthetic cannabinoid use are discussed.
University of Alabama, Birmingha, AL, USA. tmcg@uab.edu
Teena M
TM
McGuinness
Donna
D
Newell
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000633:toxicity*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005059:Euphoria / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000633:toxicity; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011998:Recreation; D013333:Student Health Services; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000451:nursing*; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
D002186:Cannabinoids; D013287:Illicit Drugs; C569461:cannabinoid K2