The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) recently classified new compounds derived from cannabis as narcotics, and they will be banned in France from June 3. These products, sold in particular on the internet and in CBD stores, come in different forms such as oil, resin, herb, spray, candies or liquids for electronic cigarettes. The molecules concerned are the semisynthetic cannabinoids H4-CBD and H2-CBD, which result from the transformation of the plant's natural substances by a chemical process, as well as purely synthetic cannabinoids.
These products have psychoactive effects similar to those of THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, but with more severe and intense effects. Their consumption can lead to vomiting, loss of consciousness, coma, convulsions, anxiety, high blood pressure and tachycardia. Since September 1, 2023, 90 cases have been reported to the drug dependence-addictovigilance evaluation and information centers (CEIP-A), 40% of which led to entry to the emergency room or hospitalization. The ANSM maintains careful monitoring of the emergence of new cannabinoids on the market and their effects on health, in connection with CEIP-A.
Frank Verain
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