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More than ever, cannabinoids are at the heart of many discussions, not least because of their medical and therapeutic applications. While we often talk about the best-known cannabinoids, such as CBD or THC, derived from the hemp plant, other types of cannabinoid are also the subject of debate: the synthetic cannabinoids. What are they? How do they differ from natural cannabinoids? And are they dangerous? We explain.
What is a cannabinoid?
Before delving into the subject of synthetic cannabinoidsLet's take a quick look at cannabinoids in general.
The cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with endocannabinoid system of the human body, a network of receptors that plays a key role in the sleep managementand other essential functions.
There are two types of cannabinoids:
- Endocannabinoidsproduced naturally by the human body. They play an essential role in regulating numerous physiological functions such as pain, mood and sleep. They include anandamide (AEA) and 2-AGwhich interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
- Exocannabinoidspresent in the cannabis plant. They mimic the action of endocannabinoids and can influence various biological processes. The best known are THC and CBDBut there are more than a hundred, including CBG and CBN.
Natural cannabinoids vs. synthetic cannabinoids: What are the differences?
Although they share a similar chemical structure, natural and synthetic cannabinoids are fundamentally different.
Natural cannabinoids
Natural cannabinoids are extracted directly from cannabismainly flowers. They bind to receptors CB1 and CB2 of the endocannabinoid system and interact with other compounds in the plant to produce beneficial effects via theentourage effect.
- Examples : THC, CBD, CBG, CBN
- Benefits Better known effects, gentler interactions with the body
- Usage : Medical, therapeutic, well-being
Synthetic cannabinoids
The synthetic cannabinoids are substances chemically created in laboratories to imitate or intensify the effects of natural cannabinoids. They are often more potent and unpredictable, and can lead to serious side effects. side effects and are widely controversial. Some, such as HHC (hexahydrocannabinol), THCP or THC-O, are derived from natural cannabinoids via chemical processes, while others, such as 'spice' or 'K2', are entirely artificial and much more potent, with increased risks to health. health.
They are generally sold in the form of dried herbs, which are not in fact herbs at all. hemp flowers but plant material impregnated with synthetic molecules. They are also available in the form of liquids for electronic cigarettes, which can be inhaled quickly and discreetly. This diversity of formats makes them more difficult to identify and increases the risk that they will be smoked. risk accidental consumption by unsuspecting users. What's more, their legal status and safety of use vary widely from country to country, depending on the regulations in force.
- Examples : Spice, K2, JWH-018, HU-210
- Risks Serious side effects (hallucinations, anxiety attacks, heart problems)
- Usage : Synthetic drugs, medical research
Why were synthetic cannabinoids created?
The synthetic cannabinoids are not new: they were developed as early as the 1980s for the purpose of scientific research andmedical applications. They allow us to study the endocannabinoid system in greater detail and try out new treatments.
However, some of these compounds have been diverted and sold as legal" alternatives to cannabis. This has given rise to extremely powerful and potentially dangerous substances. Their chemical composition is constantly evolving and they have long escaped regulation. A simple molecular modification allowed a banned product to return to the market in another form, making it difficult to ban them. At 2017a turning point came with the publication of a royal decree regulating narcotic, psychotropic and soporific substances. This text allows ban entire groups of moleculesThis limits the proliferation of new synthetic cannabinoids. This limits the proliferation of new synthetic cannabinoids.
What are the risks of synthetic cannabinoids?
If the natural cannabinoids are studied and controlled, synthetic ones are much more unpredictable. Their excessive potency and lack of regulation lead to high health risks. The effects of synthetic cannabinoids vary according to a number of factors: the type of compound, the dose, the method of consumption, individual sensitivity and the mental state of the consumer when taken. Unlike natural cannabinoids, these substances are often much more powerfulThis increases the risk of serious side effects:
- Severe side effects extreme anxiety, hallucinations, convulsions
- Addiction and toxicity some are far more addictive than natural THC
- Danger to health heart rhythm disorders, hypertension
One of the main dangers lies in theuncertainty about product composition. The active substances and their concentration can vary considerably from one product to another, making their effects unpredictable. Many countries have banned synthetic cannabinoids because of the numerous incidents reported.
Should we fear all synthetic cannabinoids?
All the synthetic cannabinoids are not bad. Some are developed for medical uses controlled. For example:
- Le Nabilonea cannabinoid (synthetic) drug used to relieve nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Dronabinola synthetic version of THC prescribed to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
These cannabinoids are regulated and prescribed within a strict framework, unlike illegal products sold on the black market.
Conclusion
Synthetic cannabinoids are a double-edged sword. While they have interesting medical potential, those sold illegally present serious health risks.
Give priority to natural cannabinoids remains the best option for enjoying the benefits of cannabis in complete safety.
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