ICD-11

Disorders due to use of synthetic cannabinoids are characterised 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 behavior). Synthetic Cannabinoid Intoxication may therefore present more frequently with psychotic symptoms in addition to the more typical effects of cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids are also dependence-producing and Synthetic Cannabinoid Dependence and Synthetic Cannabinoid Withdrawal are recognized. Synthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Mental Disorders also occur; in particular Synthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Psychotic Disorder is recognized.

A pattern of use of synthetic cannabinoids that has caused damage to a person’s physical or mental health or has resulted in behaviour leading to harm to the health of others. The pattern of synthetic cannabinoid use is evident over a period of at least 12 months if substance use is episodic or at least one month if use is continuous (i.e., daily or almost daily). Harm to health of the individual occurs due to one or more of the following: (1) behaviour related to intoxication; (2) direct or secondary toxic effects on body organs and systems; or (3) a harmful route of administration. Harm to health of others includes any form of physical harm, including trauma, or mental disorder that is directly attributable to behaviour related to synthetic cannabinoid intoxication on the part of the person to whom the diagnosis of Harmful pattern of use of synthetic cannabinoids applies.

A pattern of continuous (daily or almost daily) use of synthetic cannabinoids that has caused damage to a person’s physical or mental health or has resulted in behaviour leading to harm to the health of others. The pattern of continuous synthetic cannabinoid use is evident over a period of at least one month. Harm to health of the individual occurs due to one or more of the following: (1) behaviour related to intoxication; (2) direct or secondary toxic effects on body organs and systems; or (3) a harmful route of administration. Harm to health of others includes any form of physical harm, including trauma, or mental disorder that is directly attributable to behaviour related to synthetic cannabinoid intoxication on the part of the person to whom the diagnosis of Harmful pattern of use of synthetic cannabinoids applies.