Pharmacotherapy and pharmacotoxycology of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists

Abstract

Cannabinoid use is increasing at an alarming rate. The easy way to procure them, the perception of their legality contributes to the increased use and popularity of synthetic cannabinoids (SC). Although laws and regulations of these substances have been implemented in many countries, the production of new types of synthetic cannabinoids it happens quickly. The primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is ∆ 9-tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC), which partially binds to cannabinoid receptors, while SC are potent and full agonists of these receptors. Increased medical interest in these substances has led to the development of various drugs based on SC: dronabinol, Marinol®, a synthetic analogue of THC, approved for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in cancer and HIV patients. This paper is a review of the bibliography and an overview of SC, their pharmacotoxicology and therapeutic use.