# 125 - 6C42 Disorders due to use of synthetic cannab

# 6C42 Disorders due to use of synthetic cannabinoids

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Disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviours
of alcohol use disorders shows substantial regional variation; the highest prevalence is observed 
in eastern Europe and the lowest in Africa. Low prevalence of alcohol use in some countries is 
related to lower rates of disorders due to use of alcohol.
Polymorphisms of the genes for the alcohol-metabolizing enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase 
(ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase, which affect the response to alcohol, are seen more 
frequently among East Asians than other groups. Individuals with certain polymorphisms may 
develop facial flushing and palpitations when consuming alcohol, which may be so severe as to 
preclude alcohol consumption and thus lower the risk of alcohol use disorder.
Disorders due to use of cannabis
Disorders due to use of cannabis are characterized by the pattern and consequences of cannabis 
use. Cannabis is the collective term for a range of psychoactive preparations of the cannabis 
plant, Cannabis sativa, and related species and hybrids. Cannabis contains cannabinoids, 
a class of diverse chemical compounds that act on endogenous cannabinoid receptors that 
modulate neurotransmitter release in the brain. The principal psychoactive cannabinoid is 
δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis is typically smoked in the form of the flowering heads 
or leaves of the marijuana plant; tobacco is often mixed with cannabis when smoked. Cannabis 
oils are also prepared from these same sources. These preparations vary considerably in their 
THC potency. Cannabis has predominantly central nervous system depressant effects; it produces 
a characteristic euphoria that may be part of the presenting features of cannabis intoxication, 
which may also include impairment in cognitive and psychomotor functioning. Cannabis 
has dependence-producing properties resulting in cannabis dependence in some people and 
cannabis withdrawal when use is reduced or discontinued. Cannabis is associated with a range of 
cannabis-induced mental disorders. Other medical conditions are also associated with cannabis 
use, including some respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide, but its legal status varies considerably; 
in certain countries it is legally available for medicinal or personal use. Acceptance of cannabis 
use for recreational or medical purposes also varies widely by culture. Variations in legal status 
and cultural acceptability are related to differential consequences for detection of use (e.g. arrest, 
school suspension or employment suspension), affecting the probability that the person may 
seek treatment.
Disorders due to use of synthetic cannabinoids
Disorders due to use of synthetic cannabinoids are characterized by the pattern and consequences 
of synthetic cannabinoid use. Synthetic cannabinoids are synthesized diverse chemical 
compounds that are potent agonists for endogenous cannabinoid receptors. There are several 
hundred such compounds. The synthetic compound is typically sprayed onto a vehicle such as 
cannabis or tea leaves and then smoked. The effect of these compounds is distinctly different from 
smoking naturally cultivated cannabis, in that the euphoric effects are typically accompanied 
or dominated by psychotic-like symptoms (e.g. paranoia, hallucinations and disorganized 
6C41
6C42
Disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviours | Substance classes