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Synthetic Cannabinoid Exposures Reported to Texas Poison Centers

NCJ Number
237169
Journal
Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2011 Pages: 351-358
Author(s)
Mathias B. Forrester, B.S.; Kurt Kleinschmidt, M.D.; Evan Schwarz, M.D.; Amy Young, M.D.
Date Published
October 2011
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the increase of synthetic cannabinoid abuse.
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid abuse is increasing in the United States. Synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers in 2010 were identified, and the distribution of exposures by selected factors was determined. There were 464 total cases. The number of exposures increased each month during January-July, then remained relatively constant for the next 5 months. The patients were 73.9 percent male and 57.3 percent were 20 years or older. Moderate or major effects or potentially toxic outcome occurred in 59.9 percent of the exposures. The most frequently reported clinical effects were tachycardia (37.3 percent), agitation (18.5 percent), drowsiness (18.5 percent), vomiting (15.7 percent), hallucinations (10.8 percent), and nausea (9.9 percent). (Published Abstract)