Home > Synthetic cannabinoids: a pharmacological and toxicological overview.

Roque-Bravo, Rita and Silva, Rafaela Sofia and Malheiro, Rui F and Carmo, Helena and Carvalho, Félix and da Silva, Diana Dias and Silva, João Pedro (2023) Synthetic cannabinoids: a pharmacological and toxicological overview. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 63, pp. 187-209. doi: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-031122-113758.

External website: https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/ann...

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a chemically diverse group of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) that target the endocannabinoid system, triggering a plethora of actions (e.g., elevated mood sensation, relaxation, appetite stimulation) that resemble, but are more intense than, those induced by cannabis. Although some of these effects have been explored for therapeutic applications, anticipated stronger psychoactive effects than cannabis and reduced risk perception have increased the recreational use of SCs, which have dominated the NPS market in the United States and Europe over the past decade. However, rising SC-related intoxications and deaths represent a major public health concern and embody a major challenge for policy makers. Here, we review the pharmacology and toxicology of SCs. A thorough characterization of SCs' pharmacodynamics and toxicodynamics is important to better understand the main mechanisms underlying acute and chronic effects of SCs, interpret the clinical/pathological findings related to SC use, and improve SC risk awareness.


Item Type
Article
Publication Type
International, Open Access, Review, Article
Drug Type
New psychoactive substance
Intervention Type
Screening / Assessment
Date
20 January 2023
Identification #
doi: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-031122-113758
Page Range
pp. 187-209
Volume
63
EndNote

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