Mental Health and Synthetic Cannabinoid Use
Recently published in the journal Pediatrics, the first prospective study of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) – chemicals that mimic the effects of marijuana – links depressive symptoms and marijuana and alcohol consumption with an increased risk of SC use one year down the line.
SCs can be as much as 40 – 600 times more potent than THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that produces its attributable effects. SCs are often sprayed on plants that look like cannabis and sold as potpourri or incense.
Notably, researchers found suggestions that symptoms of depression may increase the likelihood of SC use. The lead author of the investigation notes: "The potentially substantial risk associated with using synthetic cannabinoids even once highlights the critical importance of identifying and targeting potential risk factors […] Our findings suggest that prevention and intervention efforts may benefit from targeting depressive symptoms and alcohol and marijuana use to potentially reduce adolescent use of SCs."
