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The e-Psychonauts' 'Spiced' World; Assessment of the Synthetic Cannabinoids' Information Available Online.


ABSTRACT:

Background

A wide range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) is regularly searched and discussed online by web-based drug enthusiasts (i.e. the e-psychonauts). Among NPS, the range of synthetic cannabinoids (SC; 'Spice') currently represents a challenge for governments and clinicians.

Methods

Using a web crawler (i.e. the NPS.Finder®), the present study aimed at assessing psychonauts' fora/platforms to better understand the online mentions of SC.

Results

The open-web crawling/navigating software identified here some 1,103 synthetic cannabinoids. Of these, 863 molecules were not listed in either the international or the European NPS databases.

Conclusion

A web crawling approach helped here in identifying a large range of unknown SC likely to possess a misuse potential. Most of these novel/emerging molecules are still relatively unknown. This is a reason for concern; each of these analogues potentially presents different toxicodynamic profiles and there is a lack of docking, preclinical, and clinical observations. Strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration between clinicians and bioinformatics may prove useful in better assessing SC-associated public health risks.

SUBMITTER: Zangani C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7709145 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

The e-Psychonauts' 'Spiced' World; Assessment of the Synthetic Cannabinoids' Information Available Online.

Zangani Caroline C   Schifano Fabrizio F   Napoletano Flavia F   Arillotta Davide D   Gilgar Liam L   Guirguis Amira A   Corkery John M JM   Gambini Orsola O   Vento Alessandro A  

Current neuropharmacology 20200101 10


<h4>Background</h4>A wide range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) is regularly searched and discussed online by web-based drug enthusiasts (i.e. the e-psychonauts). Among NPS, the range of synthetic cannabinoids (SC; 'Spice') currently represents a challenge for governments and clinicians.<h4>Methods</h4>Using a web crawler (i.e. the NPS.Finder®), the present study aimed at assessing psychonauts' fora/platforms to better understand the online mentions of SC.<h4>Results</h4>The open-web craw  ...[more]

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