'Synthetic cannabis': A dangerous misnomer

Shane Darke; Samuel Banister; Michael Farrell; Johan Duflou; Julia Lappin

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103396

'Synthetic cannabis': A dangerous misnomer

Int J Drug Policy. 2021 Dec:98:103396. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103396. Epub 2021 Jul 31.

Authors

Shane Darke¹, Samuel Banister², Michael Farrell³, Johan Duflou⁴, Julia Lappin⁵

Affiliations

¹ National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: s.darke@unsw.edu.au.
² The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Australia; The School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Australia.
³ National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia.
⁴ National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁵ National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia.

PMID: 34343944
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103396

Abstract

The term 'synthetic cannabis' has been widely used in public discourse to refer to a group of cannabinoid receptor agonists. In this paper we detail the characteristics of these drugs, and present the case that the term is a misnomer. We describe the pharmacodynamics of these drugs, their epidemiology, mechanisms of action, physiological effects and how these differ substantially from delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We argue that not only is the term a misnomer, but it is one with negative clinical and public health implications. Rather, the substances referred to as 'synthetic cannabis' in public discourse should instead be referred to consistently as synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs), a drug class distinct from plant-derived cannabinoids. SCRAs have greater potency and efficacy, and psychostimulant-like properties. While such terminology may be used in the scientific community, it is not widely used amongst the media, general public, people who use these drugs or may potentially do so. A new terminology has the potential to reduce the confusion and harms that result from the misnomer 'synthetic cannabis'. The constant evolution of this distinct drug class necessitates a range of distinct policy responses relating to terminology, harm reduction, epidemiology, treatment, and legal status.

Keywords: Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Morbidity; Synthetic Cannabis; Toxicity; Toxicology.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Analgesics
Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
Cannabinoids*
Cannabis*
Dronabinol
Hallucinogens*
Humans

Substances

Analgesics
Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
Cannabinoids
Hallucinogens
Dronabinol