Comparison of the Neurotoxic and Seizure-Inducing Effects of Synthetic and Endogenous Cannabinoids with Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol

Breivogel CS, Wells JR, Jonas A, Mistry AH, Gravley ML, Patel RM, Whithorn BE and Brenseke BM

Cannabis Cannabinoid Res (2020) 5: 32-41

Link to abstract

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are commonly found in preparations used as recreational drugs. Although severe adverse health effects are not generally associated with cannabis use, a rising number of studies document seizures and even death after SC use. In this study, a mouse model is used to investigate the hypothesis that SCs are more toxic than Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis.