Over eight sampling campaigns across a year in Mayotte, researchers identified 13 different synthetic cannabinoids in 195 street samples, finding that the market became more homogeneous over time as one trafficking network gained dominance, though product profiles changed rapidly between campaigns.
People interested in synthetic cannabinoid markets, drug policy researchers, and harm reduction advocates.
13 different synthetic cannabinoids found across 195 samples in one year on one island
What the researchers found
Thirteen different synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists were identified across 195 samples (187 cigarettes, 8 powders). Co-formulants included other cannabinoids, pharmaceuticals, and novel psychoactive substances mixed with tobacco or cannabis plant material. Month by month, the market became more homogeneous due to manufacturer consolidation and gang hegemony, but specific product profiles could change dramatically between campaigns.
Why it matters
Synthetic cannabinoids ("chimique" in Mayotte) represent one of the most dangerous drug trends globally due to their unpredictable potency and unknown compositions. This study provides rare longitudinal data showing how quickly the market evolves, creating ongoing risks for users who cannot know what they are consuming.
The numbers in context
195 samples collected across 8 campaigns over 1 year. 13 different SCRAs identified. Samples contained plant matrix (tobacco predominant, sometimes mixed with cannabis) plus synthetic compounds. Co-formulants included cannabinoids, pharmaceuticals/precursors, and other novel psychoactive substances.
How the study worked
Eight week-long sampling campaigns were conducted over one year in Mayotte (a French overseas territory). Researchers collected samples from street users and open consumption sites, offering consumers interviews about their use patterns and supply chains. Samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry.
What this study cannot tell us
Mayotte is a small, isolated island territory with unique socioeconomic conditions that limit generalizability. Sample collection from street users introduces selection bias. The study cannot quantify total market size or prevalence of use. User interviews are subject to reporting bias.
How to read the evidence
Observational field study with chemical analysis across 8 time points, limited by convenience sampling and island-specific conditions.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
Mayotte represents an extreme case due to its insularity and poverty, but the patterns observed, rapid product turnover, market consolidation by dominant suppliers, and unpredictable compositions, mirror synthetic cannabinoid markets worldwide. The speed of change makes harm reduction extremely difficult.
Questions still open
- How do users cope with rapidly changing product compositions? Could real-time drug checking services reduce harm in these markets? What drives the rapid product turnover: law enforcement, supplier competition, or manufacturer innovation?
Common questions
What is "chimique"?
Why do the products change so fast?
Read the original research
Synthetic cannabinoids in Mayotte over a year in time and space: an example of high-frequency evolution of market.
Environmental science and pollution research international, 32(55), 30517-30539
Citation
Devault, Damien Alain; Fabien, Loïc; Gish, Alexandr; Richeval, Camille; Gaulier, Jean-Michel; Nefau, Thomas. (2025). Synthetic cannabinoids in Mayotte over a year in time and space: an example of high-frequency evolution of market.. Environmental science and pollution research international, 32(55), 30517-30539. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-37273-8
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