SYNTHETIC CANNABINOID (SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA) WARNING FROM NYS DOH

SUMMARY
- New York State Department of Health has been informed of a recent increase in synthetic cannabinoid-related adverse events and emergency department visits, with over 160 individuals visiting health care facilities since April 8th.
- Healthcare providers should consider synthetic cannabinoid use when evaluating patients who have compatible signs and symptoms.
- Health care providers should call the Poison Control Center (PCC) (1-800-222-1222) for guidance on the management of these patients and to report adverse events associated with synthetic cannabinoids.

BACKGROUND
The New York State Department of Health has been informed of a recent increase in synthetic cannabinoid- related adverse events and emergency department visits during this month, with over 160 individuals visiting health care facilities since April 8th. Reported cases were mostly in New York City and Syracuse.

Synthetic cannabinoids are marketed as "legal" and typically consist of plant material coated by chemicals which mimic THC, the active principle of marijuana. The products are sold as incense, herbal mixtures or potpourri, online and in convenience or smoke shops, and often carry a "not for human consumption" label in order to disguise the true purpose of the substance. Synthetic cannabinoids are often referred to by different names, including: K2, Spice, Blonde, Summit, Standard, Blaze, Red Dawn X, Citron, Green Giant, Smacked, WickedX, AK-47, synthetic marijuana, or legal marijuana. Additional names from some recent reported
cases include: Geeked up, Ninja, Caution, Red Giant or Keisha Kole.

Healthcare providers should consider synthetic cannabinoids when evaluating patients who
have compatible signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid use
include agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, tremor, seizures,
hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior. These effects can be similar to those of
phencyclidine (PCP). It has been reported that several recent patients are also presenting with
somnolence and bradycardia, some requiring endotracheal intubation. These effects can appear
similar to those of clonidine. Synthetic cannabinoids are not detected by standard urine
toxicology screens; therefore, synthetic cannabinoid exposure should not be ruled out based on
negative screening results.

Since the exact compounds contained in synthetic cannabinoid products change frequently,
risks and adverse consequences are unpredictable. No antidote is presently available for
synthetic cannabinoid intoxication; however, symptoms are usually short-lived and self-limited.

Since the exact compounds contained in synthetic cannabinoid products change frequently,
risks and adverse consequences are unpredictable. No antidote is presently available for
synthetic cannabinoid intoxication; however, symptoms are usually short-lived and self-limited.
Health care providers should call the Poison Control Center (PCC) (1-800-222-1222) for
guidance on the management of these patients and to report adverse events associated with
synthetic cannabinoids.

Call 1-888-99-SALTS (1-888-997-2587) to report synthetic drug sale and distribution.

INTRANASAL NALOXONE: A NEW WEAPON IN THE BLS ARSENAL - FDNY Journal

 

 

INTRANASAL NALOXONE: A NEW WEAPON IN THE BLS ARSENAL

Opioids are very effective medicines that are often prescribed for pain control. Consequently, they also have a high potential for abuse. According to the National Institute of Health, some of the most
commonly abused prescription drugs are codeine, morphine, methadone, and fentanyl. Overdoses
may occur unintentionally (e.g., a person took extra prescribed pill because she forgot she already had
taken one) or purposefully in an attempt to ‘get high’ or to attempt suicide. Since 1990, deaths related to opioid overdoses have more than tripled. 100 people die from drug overdoses every day in the United States. This opiate abuse epidemic has garnered much attention; and the public has demanded a response. For over 20 years, paramedics in New York City have been able to successfully treat and reverse the effect of opioids using naloxone. In the past three years, EMTs from other regions of New York State and other members of the public have received training in the administration of the opiate antidote naloxone. This journal will discuss how opiates work, the physiologic changes associated with opiates, how to assess and manage patients with suspected opiate overdose, and finally, we will discuss considerations when it comes to special populations and concerns when it comes to administering naloxone.

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FDNY Naloxone Journal.pdf