Australian study of 55 synthetic cannabinoid-related deaths found cardiovascular disease was prominent alongside acute toxicity
Among 55 synthetic cannabinoid-related deaths in Australia, acute toxicity was the most common cause (38%) but cardiovascular disease was strikingly prevalent, with 20% having severe atherosclerosis and the most common compound being AB-CHMINACA.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Causes of death: accidental toxicity (38.2%), natural disease (20%), suicide (10.9%), accidental toxicity with CVD (9.1%), traumatic accident (10.9%). Cardiovascular findings included severe atherosclerosis (20%), myocardial fibrosis (18%), and cardiomegaly (12%). AB-CHMINACA was found in 38.2% of cases. Mean age was 37.2 years; 91.1% male.
Key Numbers
55 deaths; mean age 37.2; 91.1% male. Accidental toxicity 38.2%. Severe atherosclerosis 20%. AB-CHMINACA 38.2%. Sudden collapse was most common presentation (25.5%). Co-substances: alcohol 34.5%, THC 23.6%.
How They Did This
Retrospective study of all 55 cases in Australia's National Coronial Information System (2000-2017) where synthetic cannabinoid use contributed to death. Demographics, circumstances, toxicology, and organ pathology analyzed.
Why This Research Matters
The prominence of cardiovascular disease in relatively young decedents raises concerns about chronic cardiovascular toxicity from synthetic cannabinoids, beyond the acute toxicity risk.
The Bigger Picture
Unlike natural cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids appear to carry significant cardiovascular and acute toxicity risks that can be fatal, underscoring the harm reduction case for regulated natural cannabis access.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Australian data may not reflect SC composition in other countries; retrospective coronial data; cardiovascular disease may reflect pre-existing conditions rather than SC-caused damage; selection bias toward most severe outcomes.
Questions This Raises
- ?Do synthetic cannabinoids directly cause cardiovascular damage, or are users a population with pre-existing cardiovascular risk?
- ?Would rapid identification of new compounds prevent some deaths?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 20% had severe atherosclerosis; mean age only 37.2 years; 91% male
- Evidence Grade:
- National coronial database with comprehensive case review, though limited to the most severe outcomes.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2020.
- Original Title:
- Characteristics and circumstances of synthetic cannabinoid-related death.
- Published In:
- Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 58(5), 368-374 (2020)
- Authors:
- Darke, Shane(2), Duflou, Johan, Farrell, Michael(7), Peacock, Amy, Lappin, Julia
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02494
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Are synthetic cannabinoids deadlier than natural cannabis?
The pattern of deaths in this study, including acute toxicity, sudden collapse, and cardiovascular disease in relatively young people, is far more severe than what is typically associated with natural cannabis. AB-CHMINACA, the most common compound found, is a potent full agonist at cannabinoid receptors, unlike THC which is a partial agonist.
Why was cardiovascular disease so common?
Severe atherosclerosis in 20% and myocardial fibrosis in 18% of cases (mean age 37) is unusual. Whether synthetic cannabinoids directly damaged the cardiovascular system or whether these individuals had pre-existing conditions is unknown.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02494APA
Darke, Shane; Duflou, Johan; Farrell, Michael; Peacock, Amy; Lappin, Julia. (2020). Characteristics and circumstances of synthetic cannabinoid-related death.. Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 58(5), 368-374. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2019.1647344
MLA
Darke, Shane, et al. "Characteristics and circumstances of synthetic cannabinoid-related death.." Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2019.1647344
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Characteristics and circumstances of synthetic cannabinoid-r..." RTHC-02494. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/darke-2020-characteristics-and-circumstances-of
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.