Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are cannabimimetic compounds that represent a large and diverse class of novel psychoactive substances. SCs can exert full- or even super-agonist activity at cannabinoid receptors, while Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis, has weak, partial agonist activity at cannabinoid receptors. SCs may therefore have higher addictive liability than natural cannabis. SC consumption has been associated with psychotomimetic effects, the induction of psychotic disorders, and other clinically relevant effects of acute toxicity. These conditions are qualitatively and quantitatively different from those observed after cannabis intake, with SC ingestion also being associated with increasing numbers of confirmed fatalities.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | The Complex Connection between Cannabis and Schizophrenia |
Editors | Joslyn Chiaprasert-Paguio |
Place of Publication | London |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Chapter | 9 |
Pages | 199-220 |
Number of pages | 22 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128047910 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780128051832 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2018 |
Keywords
- Cannabis
- Novel psychoactive substances
- Psychosis
- Synthetic cannabinoids