Management of emergencies related to cannabis, its derivatives, and synthetic cannabinoids: an update
Debates em Psiquiatria June 9, 2026 L. Baldaçara, G. A. Rocha, Roberto Mendes Dos Santos et al.
Cannabis, cannabis-derived products, and synthetic cannabinoids cause a range of acute emergencies including anxiety, panic attacks, altered consciousness, psychomotor agitation, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and cannabis-induced psychosis. High-potency preparations, especially concentrates and edibles, can produce delayed or more severe intoxication. Synthetic cannabinoids, which often act as full agonists at cannabinoid receptors, carry higher risks of severe agitation, seizures, psychosis, cardiovascular instability, acute kidney injury, and death. Management is primarily supportive, following an A-B-C-D-E emergency framework with benzodiazepines for agitation and seizures, and antipsychotics for persistent psychosis.