Synthetic cannabinomimetics and ‘legal highs’

Abstract

Synthetic cannabinomimetic compounds present unique challenges for both healthcare professionals and lawmakers. A case of a 16-year-old girl who had been admitted to John Hunter Hospital as a result of a psychosis after ingestion of a synthetic cannabinomimetic and other drugs prompted the review of a range of hitherto unanticipated legislative and drug policy issues for consideration of healthcare professionals. The challenges and options open to legislators and law enforcement agencies to deal with synthetic cannabinomimetics and other 'legal' synthetic compounds that mimic illicit drugs for recreational use, such as 'legal' heroin, cocaine or lysergic acid diethylamide, are discussed.