Synthetic cannabinoids
Background
- Common names: spice, K2, Moon Rocks, Blue Lotus, many others
- Active ingredients: cannabicyclohexano, JWH-018, JWH-073, HU-210, others
- Far more potent than THC (100-800x)
- Cannabinoid receptor agonists (CB1 or CB2)
- Do not show up as marijuana on routine tox testing
- Generally smoked, but can be drank as a tea
Clinical Features
- Similar effect to marijuana at low doses, but may be more intense and cause an acute agitated delerium
- Typical effects 10-30 min and taper over 1-2 hours
- Tachycardia and hypertension common (distinguishing it from MJ use)
- Adverse effects: nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, agitation, deli
Treatment
- Supportive
- Benzodiazepines
- Zofran
Source
David Burbulys, MD lecture 9/2012