Synthetic cannabinoid and Salvia use linked to marijuana and ecstasy use in Hispanic samples
In a predominantly Hispanic border community, about 9-10% reported ever using synthetic cannabinoids or Salvia, with current marijuana and ecstasy use being the strongest predictors.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Across two studies at a U.S./Mexico border university and health clinic, researchers found that 9-10% of participants had ever used synthetic cannabinoids or Salvia divinorum. Being male and using multiple tobacco products were associated with use in the clinic sample.
Among college students, past 30-day marijuana use and past 30-day ecstasy use were the strongest predictors of lifetime synthetic cannabinoid and Salvia use. Current marijuana use emerged as a particularly consistent predictor across both studies.
Key Numbers
Study 1: 10% lifetime use of synthetic cannabinoids or Salvia (n=185). Study 2: 9% lifetime, 5% past-year, 3% past 30-day synthetic cannabinoid use (n=675). Past 30-day marijuana and ecstasy use were significant predictors.
How They Did This
Two cross-sectional studies: Study 1 included 185 participants (83% Hispanic) from a clinic and university on the U.S./Mexico border; Study 2 included 675 participants (89.1% Hispanic) from the same university. Logistic regression identified correlates of synthetic cannabinoid and Salvia use.
Why This Research Matters
This was among the first studies to examine synthetic cannabinoid use in a predominantly Hispanic population. The strong link to current marijuana use suggests these novel substances may be used as supplements to rather than replacements for cannabis.
The Bigger Picture
The finding that synthetic cannabinoid users were typically current marijuana users challenges the notion that synthetic products primarily attract people trying to avoid cannabis detection on drug tests. Instead, use may be more driven by curiosity or enhancement-seeking among existing drug users.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional convenience samples from a single border community. Predominantly Hispanic sample may not generalize to other populations. Self-reported data. Small prevalence means limited statistical power for some analyses.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are synthetic cannabinoid use patterns different in Hispanic populations compared to other groups?
- ?Do border community access patterns differ from inland communities?
- ?Has use changed since 2014 with increased scheduling of synthetic cannabinoids?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Current marijuana use was the strongest predictor of synthetic cannabinoid use
- Evidence Grade:
- Two cross-sectional convenience samples from a specific border community. Exploratory but limited in generalizability.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2014. The synthetic cannabinoid market has changed significantly since then.
- Original Title:
- Investigating correlates of synthetic marijuana and Salvia use in light and intermittent smokers and college students in a predominantly Hispanic sample.
- Published In:
- Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 22(6), 524-9 (2014)
- Authors:
- Gutierrez, Kevin M, Cooper, Theodore V(2)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00801
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses synthetic cannabinoids?
In this predominantly Hispanic border community, about 9-10% had tried synthetic cannabinoids. Current marijuana users were significantly more likely to use them, suggesting these products often supplement rather than replace cannabis.
Is synthetic cannabinoid use just to avoid drug tests?
This study found that current marijuana users were the most likely to also use synthetic cannabinoids, suggesting avoidance of drug tests is not the primary motivation. Users appear to be polysubstance-curious.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00801APA
Gutierrez, Kevin M; Cooper, Theodore V. (2014). Investigating correlates of synthetic marijuana and Salvia use in light and intermittent smokers and college students in a predominantly Hispanic sample.. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 22(6), 524-9. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038014
MLA
Gutierrez, Kevin M, et al. "Investigating correlates of synthetic marijuana and Salvia use in light and intermittent smokers and college students in a predominantly Hispanic sample.." Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038014
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Investigating correlates of synthetic marijuana and Salvia u..." RTHC-00801. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/gutierrez-2014-investigating-correlates-of-synthetic
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.