A question that is often asked is “can synthetic marijuana cause seizures?” We decided to try to answer it for you.
The most prevalent names for synthetic marijuana are “spice” and “k2.” Spice is a popular recreational drug due to its alleged euphoric effects comparable to those of marijuana and the ease with which it can be bought through head shops, petrol stations, and the internet. It is marketed as herbal mixes, air fresheners, or incense and advertised as “not for human consumption.” Their packaging and names make them appealing to youngsters and teenagers. In addition, it is touted as a “legal high,” despite new restrictions on its sale. It is created from several types of dried plants (which may vary from batch to batch) that have been treated with synthetic compounds similar to those present in marijuana. To bypass regulatory limits, contemporary producers continue to change the chemicals sprayed on dried plants, many of which have not been examined. The adverse effects of these medications are yet unknown. Rapid heart rate and palpitations, nausea and vomiting, psychosis, disorientation, and hallucinations are typical adverse effects. These include more serious symptoms such as convulsions, status epilepticus, arrhythmias, heart attacks, suicides, and death (such as from drowning).
Synthetic cannabinoid binds to the CB1 receptor with 10 to 20 times the affinity of THC.
Well, so can synthetic marijuana cause seizures? Synthetic cannabinoids are a class of synthetic medicines that bind firmly to cannabinoid receptors. Since THC and cannabis were essentially inaccessible to researchers, they were initially utilized as scientific instruments. There are dozens of synthetic cannabinoids that are closely similar. Recently, scientists in Australia and New Zealand investigated how CUMYL-4CN-BINACA produces seizures. This synthetic cannabinoid binds to the CB1 receptor with 10 to 20 times the affinity of THC. CUMYL-4CN-BINACA, unlike THC, is a complete agonist at CB1, meaning its action upon binding is significantly stronger than that of THC. Learn further about this here. The action is so potent that it dysregulates neurotransmission, resulting in convulsions and a decrease in body temperature. When asked the scientists “can synthetic marijuana cause seizures?” what we discovered? The scientists intended to test a variety of doses, but the animals’ body temperature plummeted by 7 °C (12.6 °F) after the fourth injection. By administering the CB1 inhibitor Rimonabant, seizures and hypothermia could be partially prevented. (However, Rimonabant appeared to induce seizures at high doses.) Since 2016, the cannabinoid CUMYL-4CN-BINACA, which was first disclosed in a 2014 patent, appears to have caused a couple of deaths in the European Union and Turkey.
We hope we have answered your question regarding “can synthetic marijuana cause seizures?”
