Adverse clinical effects associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids: A systematic review.
Drug and alcohol dependence July 1, 2025 Mariana M Prete, Gabriel T B Feitosa, Maria A T Ribeiro et al. 13 citations
Synthetic cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors about 100 times more strongly than natural cannabis, leading to severe clinical effects. A systematic review of 49 studies from 2010 to 2022 found that these drugs primarily harm the neurological and cardiovascular systems, causing seizures, altered consciousness, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. Compared to cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids produce more severe cardiovascular and neurological complications. Rare effects include blood clots, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and psychiatric disturbances. Hospital and intensive care admissions varied widely. The review calls for urgent public health policies and more controlled studies to understand the underlying mechanisms.