Effects of Δ-Tetrahydrocannabinol and the Aminoalkylindole K2/Spice Constituent JWH-073 on Cardiac Tissue and Mesenteric Vascular Reactivity.

Although use of is not associated with serious adverse effects, recreational use of aminoalkylindole (AAI) cannabinoid receptor agonists found in K2/Spice herbal blends has been reported to cause adverse cardiovascular events, including angina, arrhythmia, changes in blood pressure, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction. Δ-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC) is the primary CB agonist found in cannabis and JWH-073 is one of the AAI CB agonists found in K2/Spice brands sold to the public. This study used , , and approaches to investigate potential differences on cardiac tissue and vascular effects betweenJWH-073 and Δ-THC.

Comparison of the Neurotoxic and Seizure-Inducing Effects of Synthetic and Endogenous Cannabinoids with Δ-Tetrahydrocannabinol.

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are commonly found in preparations used as recreational drugs. Although severe adverse health effects are not generally associated with cannabis use, a rising number of studies document seizures and even death after SC use. In this study, a mouse model is used to investigate the hypothesis that SCs are more toxic than Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis.