[Evaluation of an on-site drug-testing device for the detection of synthetic cannabinoids in illegal herbal products]

"Spice Was Made, by the Devil Himself": A Thematic Analysis of the Experience of an Addiction to Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) are the most common type of new psychoactive substances used predominantly as a replacement for cannabis. There is a wealth of literature on the negative effects experienced by users of SC. However, there is a paucity of research on the experience of addiction to SC from the users' perspectives. The present study qualitatively explored the experience of addiction to SC. Online blog entries detailing the experience of SC addiction were analyzed using thematic analysis. Users reported being stuck in a cycle of addiction which was composed of addiction hallmarks. They also experienced a range of significant physical, mental health and psychosocial problems. Suicidal ideation was also reported, with potential for its occurrence during withdrawal, due to shame of being addicted, and as the only way to stop the addiction cycle. Additionally, both psychotic and cognitive symptoms were reported to persist following cessation, enhancing current understanding of long-term SC effects. Therefore, users require both clinical and psychosocial support for these issues, most notably suicidal ideation.

The Arrest and Synthetic Novel Psychoactive Drug Relationship

Novel psychoactive drugs (NPDs), an emerging class of dangerous substances, generally mimic the actions of commonly abused substances such as marijuana, stimulants, hallucinogens, and opiates, but are formulated, marketed, and used either to sidestep legal restrictions or to avoid positive drug screens. Synthetic cannabinoids such as Spice and K2 along with synthetic stimulants often referred to as “bath salts” have recently entered U.S. markets. The current study explores the relationship between being arrested and using NPDs per self-report survey data obtained from 2,349 students at a large university in the Southeastern United States. Respondents indicated whether they had used synthetic psychoactive drugs, reported demographic characteristics, and whether they had been arrested for a number of offenses. Results from logistic regression and propensity score matching models indicate that those who have been arrested are also more likely to use NPDs.