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POSTER PRESENTATION / POSTER SUNUM

Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Turkey and the World

Dilek AKSIT

Kütahya Health Sciences University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences,

Department of Forensic Sciences, Kütahya, TÜRKIYE

Correspound Author: dilek.aksit@ksbu.edu.tr

New-generation psychoactive substances include synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic
cathinones, tryptamines and their derivatives, as well as phenylethylamines and their
derivatives. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are chemical compounds produced in laboratories
to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids. These substances bind to the same receptors
in the body as cannabis, causing cannabis-like effects in users. Commonly referred to as
“bonzai,” “spice,” or “K2,” these substances have become an increasingly prevalent public
health issue worldwide. SCs are widely used, particularly among young people, by taking
advantage of legal loopholes and are often mistakenly perceived as harmless. Their low cost,
ease of accessibility, and initial exemption from legal control have facilitated their rapid
spread in society. However, their effects are significantly stronger and more unpredictable
than those of natural cannabis. The use of SCs has been associated with neuropsychiatric
disorders, cardiovascular problems, and sudden deaths. Globally, the use of SCs has
increased since the early 2000s. In Turkey, a notable rise was observed during the 2010s. In
2022, 246,237 incidents were reported, and in 2023, this number increased by 2.3% to
251,851 interventions. It was reported that 82.6% of these cases were related to drug use
for personal consumption. Following the implementation of legal controls on the production
of synthetic cannabinoids in China in 2021, the supply of these drugs to Europe was
disrupted. It is estimated that approximately 1.5% (4.3 million people) of adults in the
European Union are daily cannabis users. The potency of seized herbal cannabis remains
high compared to historical standards. According to the European Monitoring Centre for
Drugs and Drug Addiction’s 2024 report, over 950 new psychoactive substances were under
monitoring by the end of 2023, 26 of which were reported for the first time in Europe. In
conclusion, SCs pose significant risks to both individual health and public safety. Effective
response requires not only legal regulations but also the development of education, early
intervention, and treatment services. Furthermore, given the chemical diversity of SCs, there
is a continuous need for updated analysis and monitoring systems.

Keywords: Bonzai, cannabis, cannabinoid, psychoactive substances.

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