Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones: Prevalence and Markets

• NCJ Number: 242691
• Journal: Forensic Science Review Volume: 25 Issue: 1 & 2 Dated: March 2013 Pages: 7-26
• Author(s): A.L. Bretteville-Jensen; S.S. Tuv; O.R. Bilgrei; B. Fjeld; L. Bachs
• Date Published: March 2013
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research); Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: Taiwan

Annotation

The present work is based on a systematic review of studies that have assessed the market and prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, and integrates pharmacological, sociological and epidemiological aspects of these two groups of emerging synthetic drugs.

Abstract

Over the past few years, the phenomenon of new designer drugs has attracted much attention. Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones are the two main classes of these drugs. Both are potent drugs of abuse, and several cases of severe toxicity and deaths are reported. The present work is based on a systematic review of studies that have assessed the market and prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, and integrates pharmacological, sociological and epidemiological aspects of these two groups of emerging synthetic drugs. The review reflects that the internet has made synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones widely available. Furthermore, the aggressive and widespread marketing, as well as the low price level of these drugs, the drugs' juridical status and the lack of detection on standard drug tests may serve as major motivation for drug use. The number of prevalence studies is small and derived from a limited number of countries. In spite of the many methodological shortcomings, some conclusions may be cautiously drawn. Taken together, the results point towards higher prevalence of use for synthetic cathinones than for synthetic cannabinoids. In the general population, the prevalence of use of synthetic cathinones is reported to be around 4 percent compared to figures lower than 1 percent for synthetic cannabinoids. Among students, the prevalence varies between 1-20 percent for synthetic cathinones and 2-10 percent for synthetic cannabinoids. Among groups with high rates of drug use, the prevalence varies between 4 to more than 60 percent for synthetic cathinones and around 10 percent for synthetic cannabinoids. (Published Abstract)