Analysis of a product called "Che Sballo platinum," sold as air freshener in Trieste, Italy, revealed it contained 8.5 mg of the potent synthetic cannabinoid 5F-Cumyl-PINACA, after multiple ER visits for hallucinations, tachycardia, and air hunger.
Emergency physicians, forensic toxicologists, drug regulators, harm reduction workers.
Potent synthetic cannabinoid found in product sold as air freshener in Italy
What the researchers found
The product tested negative for THC but positive for 5F-Cumyl-PINACA at a dose of 8.5 mg per package. Multiple people presented to the Trieste hospital ER with hallucinations, sensation of poisoning, tachycardia, and air hunger after inhaling the product. The product was manufactured in Koper, Slovenia, and sold as an air freshener. Formal notification was sent to Italian Health Authorities.
Why it matters
5F-Cumyl-PINACA is far more potent than THC, and without concentration information on the packaging, users cannot dose safely. This highlights the ongoing public health danger of synthetic cannabinoids being sold under misleading product labels.
The numbers in context
8.5 mg 5F-Cumyl-PINACA per package. Multiple ER presentations with hallucinations, tachycardia, air hunger. Product sold as air freshener. Manufactured in Koper, Slovenia.
How the study worked
Forensic analysis of product contents using multi-target MRM-IDA-EPI screening confirmed by LC-ESI-MS/MS quantitation.
What this study cannot tell us
Analysis of a single product from one region. Cannot determine the extent of distribution. No long-term follow-up of affected individuals. ER presentations not systematically characterized.
How to read the evidence
Forensic identification with confirmed quantitation, but limited to a single product analysis.
When this study was published
Published 2023.
The bigger picture
Synthetic cannabinoids continue to enter markets through legal gray zones, sold as products not intended for human consumption. The lack of labeling about active ingredients or concentration makes accidental overdose common and highlights the failure of product-based regulation.
Questions still open
- How widespread is the distribution of synthetic cannabinoid products sold as everyday consumer goods?
- Would product testing at borders prevent these products from entering the market?
Common questions
Can synthetic cannabinoids be found in everyday products?
How dangerous are synthetic cannabinoids?
Read the original research
Identification of 5F-Cumyl-PINACA, a Synthetic Cannabinoid, in the Herbal Material Used for Recreational Purposes in the Province of Trieste: Public Health Implications.
Current pharmaceutical biotechnology, 24(6), 758-765
Citation
Peruch, Michela; Addobbati, Riccardo; Padovano, Martina; Scopetti, Matteo; Concato, Monica; Radaelli, Davide; D'Errico, Stefano. (2023). Identification of 5F-Cumyl-PINACA, a Synthetic Cannabinoid, in the Herbal Material Used for Recreational Purposes in the Province of Trieste: Public Health Implications.. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology, 24(6), 758-765. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201023666220915092609
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