Synthetic cannabinoid CUMYL-4CN-BINACA causes seizures at extremely low doses in mice
CUMYL-4CN-BINACA is one of the most potent synthetic cannabinoids tested to date, triggering seizures in mice at just 0.3 mg/kg.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
CUMYL-4CN-BINACA acted as a potent CB1 receptor agonist and produced seizures at a lower dose than any previously tested synthetic cannabinoid. A CB1 antagonist blocked the seizure activity, while a CB2 antagonist had no effect.
Key Numbers
CB1 receptor binding affinity Ki = 2.6 nM; functional potency EC50 = 0.58 nM; seizures observed at 0.3 mg/kg (lowest dose reported for any SCRA).
How They Did This
Researchers tested the compound in mice, measuring hypothermic and pro-convulsant effects, and used receptor antagonists to determine which cannabinoid receptors mediated the effects.
Why This Research Matters
Synthetic cannabinoids keep getting more potent. Understanding which compounds cause seizures and at what doses helps explain why emergency room visits linked to these drugs continue to rise.
The Bigger Picture
The synthetic cannabinoid market evolves rapidly, with new compounds appearing constantly. This study highlights that some newer variants are extraordinarily potent, raising the stakes for users who may not know what they are consuming.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Mouse study only. Human responses to this compound may differ. The study did not examine chronic exposure or dose-response across a wide range.
Questions This Raises
- ?Could structural features like the terminal nitrile group predict seizure risk in other novel synthetic cannabinoids?
- ?What is the margin between recreational dose and seizure-inducing dose in humans?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 0.3 mg/kg
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary: single animal study with a novel compound, no human data.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2019.
- Original Title:
- CUMYL-4CN-BINACA Is an Efficacious and Potent Pro-Convulsant Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist.
- Published In:
- Frontiers in pharmacology, 10, 595 (2019)
- Authors:
- Kevin, Richard C(16), Anderson, Lyndsey, McGregor, Iain S(55), Boyd, Rochelle, Manning, Jamie J, Glass, Michelle, Connor, Mark, Banister, Samuel D
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02102
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What makes CUMYL-4CN-BINACA different from other synthetic cannabinoids?
It contains an unusual terminal nitrile group and caused seizures at a lower dose than any previously tested synthetic cannabinoid.
Does this compound affect CB2 receptors?
Blocking CB2 receptors did not prevent seizures, suggesting the pro-convulsant effects are driven primarily through CB1 receptors.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02102APA
Kevin, Richard C; Anderson, Lyndsey; McGregor, Iain S; Boyd, Rochelle; Manning, Jamie J; Glass, Michelle; Connor, Mark; Banister, Samuel D. (2019). CUMYL-4CN-BINACA Is an Efficacious and Potent Pro-Convulsant Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist.. Frontiers in pharmacology, 10, 595. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.00595
MLA
Kevin, Richard C, et al. "CUMYL-4CN-BINACA Is an Efficacious and Potent Pro-Convulsant Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist.." Frontiers in pharmacology, 2019. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.00595
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "CUMYL-4CN-BINACA Is an Efficacious and Potent Pro-Convulsant..." RTHC-02102. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/kevin-2019-cumyl4cnbinaca-is-an-efficacious
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.