ANSM Adds New Cannabinoids to the List of Narcotics
In a recent move, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) has classified several new cannabinoids as narcotics due to the risks and potential for dependence associated with their use.
The decision, which will come into effect on June 3, 2024, includes cannabinoids such as H4-CBD, H2-CBD, and certain synthetic cannabinoids with a benzo[c]chromene chemical structure, like HHCPO, THCP, and THCA, as listed in the announcement.
Details of the Decision
This decision follows reports from the Centres for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependence-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A) regarding severe effects reported by people who used these substances.
Several of these cannabinoids can produce effects similar to those of THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, and reports have described more intense and potentially harmful consequences. The evidence differs between substances, however: HHC produced THC-like behavioural effects in a rat study and acts as a partial agonist at the CB1 receptor in laboratory tests, H4-CBD shows only weak CB1 affinity and its psychoactivity is unclear, and naturally occurring THCA is non-psychoactive unless heated, when it converts to THC. The following substances were named in connection with the decision:
- H4-CBD
- H2-CBD
- HHC (hexahydrocannabinol)
- HHCO (hexahydrocannabinol acetate)
- HHCP (hexahydrocannabiphorol)
- HHCPO (hexahydrocannabiphorol acetate)
- THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol)
- THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid; the natural form found in raw cannabis is non-psychoactive unless heated)
Risks Associated with Consumption
Reports have linked use of these substances to immediate and severe effects such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, coma, convulsions, paranoia, anxiety, hypertension, and tachycardia.
Products containing these substances may have a higher cannabinoid concentration than indicated on the packaging, posing further risks. The intensity of these effects can be greater than those experienced with cannabis and can necessitate urgent medical intervention, particularly with synthetic cannabinoids.
Advice for Consumers and Healthcare Professionals
Consumers are advised to be cautious as the actual composition of these products may not match what is stated on their labels. In cases of severe complications, specific toxicological analyses may be needed, as these cannabinoids may not be detected by standard urine screening tests.
For those experiencing difficulty in controlling or stopping their use of these substances, consultation with a healthcare professional or a specialised addiction treatment facility is recommended.
Personal Perspective
I find this decision by the ANSM to be a crucial step in addressing the potential public health risks posed by these new cannabinoids. The stringent regulation of these substances is essential to safeguard individuals from their severe effects and potential for dependence. It underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and regulation of emerging substances in the market to protect public health.
