Synthetic cannabinoid effects on behavior and motivation

Abstract

The abuse of synthetic cannabinoids is a new phenomenon where little information is known about the behavioral effects of these emerging drugs. In addition, motivation for first time use and chronic abuse is unknown. This chapter presents studies that may explain the motivation of synthetic cannabinoid use by correlating the abuse of synthetic cannabinoids with what is known about marijuana. Although the putative pharmacological targets of these cannabinoid compounds are similar, it seems likely their actions are not identical, which could affect the behavior and motivation of an individual to seek one drug over another, as well as causing them to have differing, yet similar, toxicological effects. Thus, this chapter explores what is known about the similarities and differences in the behavioral and motivational effects of synthetic cannabinoids and marijuana.