Between 2017 and 2024, French poison centers recorded 304 cases of 5F-AKB48 exposure, predominantly in adolescent males (median age 16.5), with 4% experiencing severe symptoms including seizures and coma.
Emergency physicians, adolescent health providers, drug policy makers, parents
What the researchers found
Among 304 cases reported to French Poison Control Centers, the median age was 16.5 years with a male-to-female ratio of 4.4:1. The drug was used alone in 91% of cases. Most (59%) had mild symptoms, 35% moderate, and 4% severe (seizures, coma, agitation). Multiple substance use was associated with more severe outcomes. Most exposures occurred in northern France, and the drug is likely popular due to its compatibility with e-cigarette devices for discreet use.
Why it matters
Synthetic cannabinoids are far more potent and dangerous than plant cannabis, yet they can be consumed discreetly through e-cigarettes, making detection difficult for parents and schools. Their emergence among adolescents represents a distinct public health challenge.
The numbers in context
304 cases; median age 16.5; sex ratio 4.4 M:F; 91% used alone; 59% mild, 35% moderate, 4% severe; severe symptoms: seizures, coma, agitation; no fatalities; predominantly northern France
How the study worked
Retrospective analysis of all acute 5F-AKB48 exposure cases reported to French Poison Control Centers from 2017 to 2024. Assessed demographics, symptoms, and outcomes using the Poison Severity Score.
What this study cannot tell us
Poison control data captures only cases severe enough to prompt a call; actual use likely much higher. Outcome unknown in 36% of cases. Cannot assess chronic health effects. French-specific regulatory and cultural context.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: comprehensive national poison center data over 7 years, but likely underestimates true prevalence.
When this study was published
2025 publication covering 2017-2024 data
The bigger picture
Synthetic cannabinoids often surge in use when they are novel and unregulated, then decline as awareness of dangers grows and regulations catch up. The compatibility with e-cigarette devices is a new delivery vector that complicates traditional drug detection.
Questions still open
- How common is undetected synthetic cannabinoid use in e-cigarettes among adolescents?
- Would e-cigarette regulation targeting liquid additives reduce synthetic cannabinoid vaping?
Read the original research
5F-AKB48: A synthetic cannabinoid presenting an emerging public health concern in France.
The International journal on drug policy, 145, 104972
Citation
Harmel, Clément; Caré, Weniko; Laborde-Casterot, Hervé; Liautard, Marc; Langrand, Jérôme; Dufayet, Laurène. (2025). 5F-AKB48: A synthetic cannabinoid presenting an emerging public health concern in France.. The International journal on drug policy, 145, 104972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.104972
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