Synthetic cannabinoids (cannabimimetics, cannabinoid receptor agonists) are not obtained from the hemp plant. It is a collective term of artificially produced substances with cannabis-like effects. The name is confusing, however, because structurally they bear no resemblance to natural cannabinoids, but only "mimic" their effects. They are referred to as new psychoactive substances(NPS).
The use of synthetic cannabinoids is largely unexplored. Like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), they bind to the cannabis receptors, but they are full agonists and not only partial agonists like THC. The effect spectrum is comparable to THC, but more intense. This ranges from relaxing, appetizing, intensifying feelings to disinhibiting and euphoric. Serenity, lack of criticism and/or groundless cheerfulness can set in. The experience of time and the ability to react is slowed down. As with high THC content, a hallucinogenic effect sets in. Aggressiveness against oneself and others may also occur.
Further information can be found in our evaluation report on synthetic cannabinoids at DIZ Zurich.
Onset of action
Faster onset of action compared to cannabis. Speed of onset of effect strongly dependent on the form/type of ingestion.
Duration of effect
Comparable to cannabis, some have a shorter effect.However, there is a suspicion that some synthetic cannabinoids, in addition to their high efficacy, also have particularly long half-lives and can thus have a prolonged psychoactive effect.Consumers who have unintentionally consumed synthetic cannabinoids on misdeclared CBD cannabis report that the effect sets in very quickly and violently, and after 10 to 30 minutes already flattens out again.
After-effects
Up to several hours (depending on dose, form of consumption and substance).
Appearances
Since 2005, synthetic cannabinoids have been sold in incense blends made from herbs or in so-called incense sticks/room air fresheners. Typical examples include Spice Gold, Spice Silver, Bloom, Bonzai, Sence, and Yucatan Fire. These products are usually sold over the Internet and in "head stores" as so-called "legal high products" in brightly printed sachets made of metal foil. However, they are also available under their chemical names as pure substances. The legislative body constantly updates the narcotics directory, which is why the substances often quickly disappear from the market again and new creations appear.
Since 2020, it has increasingly occurred in the German-speaking region that synthetic cannabinoids are sprayed/applied to legally produced CBD cannabis in order to be able to sell it deceptively as natural THC-containing cannabis more profitably on the black market. This development is most likely related to the overproduction of legal CBD cannabis and the resulting collapse of the Swiss CBD market. Cannabis products (hemp flowers or hashish) on which synthetic cannabinoids have been sprayed/applied are visually and tastefully not recognizable as such.
Due to the large number of different synthetic cannabinoids (around 300) and the difficult handling, no dosage information is given. Therefore, follow the safer-use rules to minimize the risk of overdose. Synthetic cannabinoids are mainly smoked, but could theoretically also be snorted, injected or swallowed.
The use of synthetic cannabinoids is associated with numerous deaths (UNODC & EMCDDA reports). Due to potency, overdoses and acute and severe intoxications are more likely than with natural cannabis. Especially in Spice mixtures and when added to cannabis products, it is not uncommon for inhomogeneous active ingredient distributions to occur, which significantly increases the risk of overdose. It is not uncommon to find mixtures of different synthetic cannabinoids in circulation. Among other things, consumption can lead to rapid fainting, palpitations, high blood pressure, central seizures, agitation, nausea with vomiting, decrease in mental performance (ability to react and criticize), confusion, delusions, suicidal behavior, anxiety and panic, acute psychoses, strong craving, xenophobic and auto-aggressive and violent behavior up to a heart attack.
Long-term effects:
Little is known about this. In addition to the decrease in mental performance, the risk of psychosis, the strong craving for more (craving) and the high potency is probably an indication of an increased dependence potential. In addition, some synthetic cannabinoids are suspected of being mutagenic.
LSD analogues are substances that are chemically very similar to LSD and can have comparable effects. Some of them have been known for a long time (e.g. ALD52, ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, PRO-LAD etc.) and have been studied pharmacologically as well as psychopharmacologically, at least in part. Others are newer "creations" (e.g. the derivatives 1P-LSD,1B-LSD, 1cP-LSD, 1V-LSDetc.), for which only few or no data are available. Certain LSD analogues can (still) be legally produced, traded and consumed in some countries, which is the main reason for their distribution.
Most LSD analogues are naturally different from LSD in their effect and/or potency (e.g. ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, LSZ etc.). In contrast, the so-called 1-acylated LSD compounds (e.g. 1P-LSD, 1V-LSD, 1B-LSD, ALD-52, etc.) are presumed, on the basis of pharmacological studies, to convert into LSD in the body (they function as so-called prodrugs) and thus have a comparable psychoactive effect to LSD.
In the case of prodrugs of LSD and LSD analogues, it has not been conclusively clarified whether, in addition to their psychoactive effect, they can produce other pharmacological effects. How potent these prodrugs are compared to the resulting substance (e.g., 1P-LSD to LSD), and to what extent a delay in onset of action occurs in each case, may be substance-dependent and cannot be generalized. Therefore, it is important to approach the dose/effect carefully to avoid overdoses.
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.