Synthetic cannabinoids are the largest group of substances currently monitored in Europe by EMCCDA through the EU Early Warning System. The current knowledge of these substances and trends in production, availability, use and damages are presented in this analysis .
Synthetic cannabinoids are a group of substances that mimic the effects of (-) – trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a substance that is mainly responsible for the major psychoactive effects of cannabis. The number of synthetic cannabinoids, their chemical diversity and the speed of their occurrence make this group of compounds particularly challenging in terms of detection, monitoring and response.
Little is known about how these substances work and their toxic effects in humans. However, their use has caused very serious poisoning and even death – sometimes manifested as a phenomenon of mass poisoning.
This analysis aims to provide an update to the current knowledge of these substances and their effects, as well as trends in production, availability and use, sales.
You can read the survey HERE.