SCRAs Flashcards
creation of SCRAs and description of initial recreational use
Following identification of CB1 receptor, SCRAs were produced to mimic the desirable effects of THC without the high, memory loss, and dissociative effects.
high potency full agonists were created, but none reached the clinic.
spice entered the street markets around 2005, being a blend of plant matter sprayed with SCRAs. sold at headshots and convenience stores. due to novelty, they were not detected in drug tests.
there was a very wide variation of the SCRAs present in the streets, with 224 being identified since 2008.
Examples of street names and chemical names of SCRAs
spice, AK47, K2, black mamba, bonsai.
JWH018, AM1221, AB-FUBINACA
Change in UK legislation for SCRAs
2016 amendment to the 1971 MDA.
any compound structurally related to JWH018, in that the four substructures are linked together in a similar manner: indole ring, pentyl substituent, methanone linking group, and naphthyl ring
groups that use SCRA the most
Generally used by particular subpopulations: homeless and incarcerated, prominent in the USA, UK, and new zealand.
Risks and effects
Despite lower use compared to cannabis, there are more deaths attributed to SCRA us in england and wales.
causes aggression/agitation, hallucinations, seizures, spasms, vertigo, tachycardia, bradycardia, chest pain, palpitations, hypertension and hypotension.
effect on cardiovascular symptoms through alteration in the autonomic nervous system
Molecular mechanisms of JWH018
a full CB1 agonist.
it also is hydroxylated to form a compound that is also a full CB1 agonist
its glucuronide however is a competitive antagonist.
as such the individuals PK profile can lead to tolerance and dependence.
uncertainty about whether all symptoms of use are on-target CB1 effects, such as renal, ocular, and respiratory depression effects.
