K2 Toxicity: Fatal Case of Psychiatric Complications Following AM2201 Exposure

• NCJ Number: 246268
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2013 Pages: 1676-1680
• Author(s): Amy L. Patton B.S.; Krishna C. Chimalakonda Ph.D.; Cindy L. Moran B.S.; Keith R. McCain; Anna Radominska-Pandya Ph.D.; Laura P. James M.D; Charles Kokes M.D.; Jeffery H. Moran Ph.D.
• Date Published: November 2013
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Limited forensic and clinical experience and the lack of confirmatory testing strategies for synthetic cannabinoids SC prevent adequate characterization of SC toxicity and the potential impact on public health.

Abstract

Limited forensic and clinical experience and the lack of confirmatory testing strategies for synthetic cannabinoids SC prevent adequate characterization of SC toxicity and the potential impact on public health. A statewide surveillance system identified a fatality involving a 23-year-old man found with a large stab wound to the neck following use of a SC product suspected of containing AM2201. Analytical testing for common SCs, SC metabolites, routine drugs of abuse, and over-the-counter medications was performed on heart blood obtained at autopsy. Additionally, assays were performed on the SC raw material and drug paraphernalia found on the decedent. High concentrations of AM2201 were detected in all samples. AM2201 metabolites were detected in postmortem blood. Other than a trace amount of JWH-073 found in smoke residue, no other substances were detected. Psychiatric complications including self-induced, lethal trauma can occur after the use of SC products. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.