The use and effects of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists by New South Wales cannabis treatment clients

Melissa A Jackson; Amanda L Brown; Jennifer Johnston; Richard Clancy; Iain McGregor; Raimondo Bruno; Nick Lintzeris; Mark Montebello; Jennifer Luksza; Jenny Bowman; Nghi Phung; Dave Allsop; Adrian J Dunlop

doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00091-z

The use and effects of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists by New South Wales cannabis treatment clients

J Cannabis Res. 2021 Jul 26;3(1):33. doi: 10.1186/s42238-021-00091-z.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Level 3, 670 Hunter Street, Newcastle, NSW, 2290, Australia. Mel.Jackson@health.nsw.gov.au.
² Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Level 3, 670 Hunter Street, Newcastle, NSW, 2290, Australia.
³ University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW, Australia.
⁴ Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
⁵ The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁶ School of Health, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
⁷ Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁸ Drug and Alcohol Services, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁹ Drug Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
¹⁰ Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
¹¹ Drug Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite decreasing consumption by general populations, use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) persists in some marginalised groups, including those who use other substances. This article explores SCRA consumption in an Australian cannabis treatment sample, comparing those who report ever using SCRAs with those who have never used SCRAs.

Methods: A questionnaire orally administered in person to a convenience sample of 154 cannabis treatment service clients from New South Wales, Australia (71% male, median age 35) collected information regarding cannabis and SCRA use including motivations, effects and health-related consequences of use, demographics, other substance use and overall health. Demographic profiles and between-group differences were explored. McNemar tests compared effects of SCRA and cannabis. Logistic regression analysis determined predictors of SCRA use.

Results: Half (53%) reported lifetime SCRA use; 20% reported previous-month use. The SCRA + cannabis group displayed greater polysubstance use and psychological distress. Reduced dependence on cannabis but higher levels of other substance use may predict SCRA use. Although curiosity motivated initial SCRA consumption, perceived psychoactive strength drove continued use. SCRAs appear to induce more negative side-effects than cannabis. Of the SCRA + cannabis group, 27% sought medical assistance for SCRA use. Most (90%) preferred cannabis to SCRAs, citing superior safety, effects and consistency of cannabis.

Conclusions: Among clients seeking treatment for cannabis use, SCRA use was relatively common, although not a preferred substance. Hazardous substance use and poor mental health characterised SCRA consumers, highlighting the need for continued monitoring by researchers and treatment providers of SCRA consumption in populations who use substances.

Keywords: Cannabis; Marijuana; Substance use disorder; Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist; Synthetic cannabinoids; Treatment.

Grants and funding

H13/115985-1/NSW Ministry of Health