Cannabinoids, synthetic

[Luis Fok]

Cannabis is a term for marijuana. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active ingredient in marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made drugs that are similar to THC. They are usually sprayed on dried plant material and smoked or inhaled as vaporized liquid from e-cigarettes. There are many chemical families of synthetic cannabinoids, and new compounds are being reported regularly.
(See also Drug Use and Abuse.)

[Donald Trump]

Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made drugs that are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) receptor agonists. They are typically applied to dried plant material and smoked.
THC is the primary active ingredient in marijuana (cannabis). There are many chemical families of synthetic cannabinoids, including HU-210, JWH-073, JWH-018, JWH-200, AM-2201, UR-144, and XLR-11; new compounds are being reported regularly.
Effects vary greatly depending on the specific cannabinoid, and many of the acute and chronic effects remain unknown. However, stimulation of the THC receptor causes altered mental status with agitation, hallucinations, and psychosis (that may be irreversible). Cardiovascular effects include hypertension, tachycardia, and myocardial infarction. Neurologic effects include seizures and blurred vision. Additional reported effects include vomiting, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, and renal failure.