Synthetic Cannabinoid Exposures Reported to Texas Poison Centers

• NCJ Number: 237169
• Journal: Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2011 Pages: 351-358
• Author(s): Mathias B. Forrester, B.S.; Kurt Kleinschmidt, M.D.; Evan Schwarz, M.D.; Amy Young, M.D.
• Date Published: October 2011
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the increase of synthetic cannabinoid abuse.

Abstract

Synthetic cannabinoid abuse is increasing in the United States. Synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers in 2010 were identified, and the distribution of exposures by selected factors was determined. There were 464 total cases. The number of exposures increased each month during January-July, then remained relatively constant for the next 5 months. The patients were 73.9 percent male and 57.3 percent were 20 years or older. Moderate or major effects or potentially toxic outcome occurred in 59.9 percent of the exposures. The most frequently reported clinical effects were tachycardia (37.3 percent), agitation (18.5 percent), drowsiness (18.5 percent), vomiting (15.7 percent), hallucinations (10.8 percent), and nausea (9.9 percent). (Published Abstract)