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Case Reports
. 2013 Oct;45(4):544-6.
doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.11.034. Epub 2013 Jul 26.

A case of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome caused by synthetic cannabinoids

Christopher Y Hopkins  1 , Brandi L Gilchrist
Affiliations
Case Reports

A case of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome caused by synthetic cannabinoids

Christopher Y Hopkins et al. J Emerg Med. 2013 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) was initially described in 2004 and remains an under-recognized clinical entity that occurs in chronic heavy marijuana smokers.

Case report: We describe the first report of CHS in an abuser of synthetic cannabinoids. CHS is thought to be caused by over-stimulation of the cannabinoid 1 receptor. The synthetic cannabinoids found in K2, Spice, and other commonly abused designer cannabinoids, including those used by our patient (JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-122, AM-2201, and AM-694), are potent agonists of the cannabinoid 1 receptor.

Conclusion: Our report suggests that frequent habitual smoking of synthetic cannabinoids can cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

Keywords: JWH-073; K2; Spice; cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome; synthetic cannabinoid.

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