Synthetic Cannabinoid Illnesses in FL - May 2014

In the news today is an outbreak of synthetic cannabinoid-associated illnesses in Florida. This report out of Gainesville, FL states that 28 people have been hospitalized over the past 48 hours. The products associated with these illnesses have, at least initially, been traced to a local smokeshop. Needless to say, the shop was raided and a larger amount of synthetic cannabinoid product was confiscated. Florida has some of the toughest laws on the books regarding synthetic cannabinoids so it'll be interesting to see what actually comes of this.

These newer generation compounds are no joke and I've discussed my reservations about them ad nauseam (here and here and here and here and here). We know nothing of their pharmacology and toxicology. Most of the newer research chemicals are nothing but mix-and-match versions of earlier chemicals or what I like to say is a chemical grab bag o' fun.

The earlier reported outbreak of illnesses related to synthetic cannabinoid use in Texas still hasn't been resolved or at least a chemical has not been identified and its identity released to the media.

As always, if I hear any more information, I'll update.

Cheers,

ForensicToxGuy