It is a list of molecules, an illegal pharmacopoeia known to those in the know. In total, in 2022, 26 synthetic substances were identified for the first time in France through the national identification system for toxic substances and substances (Sintes) published on Wednesday January 31 by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Trends (OFDT).

Consumers faced with undesirable or unexpected effects after consuming narcotics made it possible to draw this panorama of new substances, but also to document the deceptions associated with their composition – through the integration of cut products and other excipients.

Of these new synthetic products registered in the “NPS Registry,” nine belong to the family of synthetic cannabinoids, laboratory-made molecules that mimic the psychoactive effects of cannabis on brain receptors. “They correspond to a variety of molecules that have evolved to evade changes in French and European regulations, like a race for the shallot.”explains toxicologist Sabrina Cherki, national coordinator of the Sintes system.

Hallucinogenic substances

“Many are included in the composition of e-cigarettes laced with synthetic cannabinoids, which may have caused complications (hallucinations, palpitations, vomiting, convulsions) in a young audience.”, She continues. ADB-Fubiaca, ADB-P-5Br-Inaca or MDMB-Inaca can therefore be sold to an often smaller clientele under the names Buddha Blue or “Pète ton Skull”, recently marketed near educational institutions.

“Arylalkylamines and arylcyclohexylamines,” another most represented category (six occurrences) among new synthetic products, are primarily purchased online and delivered in postal packages. These are hallucinogenic substances with “dissociative” properties, similar to those of ketamine.

Beyond this list of new products, the Sintes study examines the effects and composition of the most commonly used narcotics. If the “THC levels in cannabis seizures are part of a continuous increase since 2019”The document specifies that the number of collections is almost half as large as the previous year, which can be explained by this “The end of the warning regarding the distribution of herbs and resins adulterated with synthetic cannabinoids”.

You still have 50% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.