Potent Synthetic Cannabinoid 5F-AKB48 Emerged as an Adolescent Drug in France

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.