Cannabidiol-Derived Cannabinoids: The Unregulated Designer Drug Market Following the 2018 Farm Bill
Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids February 13, 2024 Charles N. Zawatsky, Sara Mills-Huffnagle, Corinne M. Augusto et al.
Semi-legal cannabinoids synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD) and sold after the 2018 US Farm Bill may pose a growing health risk. Research has focused mainly on Δ8-THC and O-acetyl-THC, the latter raising concerns about pulmonary toxicity. Newer cannabinoids with sidechain variants of CBD show stronger activity at cannabinoid receptor 1 than Δ9-THC, and acetate esters are being added to other THC analogues. Products lack regulatory oversight and often contain unlabeled side products. The authors urge monitoring this market and investigating the pharmacology of these cannabinoids to prevent a potential vaping-related health crisis.