Synthetic and Non-synthetic Cannabinoid Drugs and Their Adverse Effects-A Review From Public Health Prospective

There is a growing use of novel psychoactive drugs (NPs) containing synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoid products have similar effects to those of natural cannabis, yet, these products are more potent and dangerous, and they have been associated with various adverse effects. Here, we review current literature on the epidemiology, acute, and chronic effects of synthetic and natural cannabinoid based drugs. Synthetic drugs contain a mixture of psychoactive compounds that most of them bind cannabinoid receptors with high potency. These synthetic drugs mimic the effects of natural cannabis and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but they induce more severe adverse effects including respiratory difficulties, hypertension, tachycardia, chest pain, muscle twitches, acute renal failure, anxiety, agitation, psychosis, suicidal ideation, and cognitive impairment. Chronic use of synthetic cannabinoids was associated with serious psychiatric and medical conditions and even death. Given the growing popularity in the use of cannabinoid based drugs and their harmful potential, there is a need for further research in this field.