Synthetic Cannabinoids: Psychopharmacology, Clinical Aspects, Psychotic Onset
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets April 17, 2017 Giovanni Martinotti, Rita Santacroce, Duccio Papanti et al. 62 citations
Synthetic cannabinoids are the most widespread class of novel psychoactive substances, yet their health risks are often unknown to users and health professionals. This review synthesizes recent insights on the pharmacology, clinical, and psychopathological aspects of synthetic cannabinoids. A structured search of PubMed and Scopus yielded 162 relevant results, mainly epidemiological, forensic, toxicologic, or analytical. Fifteen synthetic cannabinoid-related fatality cases were reviewed. The findings confirm the need for prompt, reliable information for health professionals, along with more specific analytic techniques and preventive strategies to address the synthetic cannabinoid challenge.