A new challenge in forensic toxicology exemplified by a case of murder under the influence of a synthetic cannabinoid - AM-2201

Synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as smokable herbal “spice” and “K2”, are the most popular designer drugs [1–3]. Although their labels formally read “not for human consumption”, in practice such substances are used in order to achieve a psychological effect that imitates that of Δ9-THC [4]. There are no structural similarities in the s ynthetic cannabinoids with Δ9-THC; however, they are strong agonists of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, as well as the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor [5].
Source: Legal Medicine - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Source Type: research