The e-Psychonauts' 'Spiced' World; Assessment of the Synthetic Cannabinoids' Information Available Online.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A wide range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) is regularly searched and discussed online by web-based drug enthusiasts (i.e. the e-psychonauts). Among NPS, the range of synthetic cannabinoids (SC; 'Spice') currently represents a challenge for governments and clinicians.

Methods

Using a web crawler (i.e. the NPS.Finder®), the present study aimed at assessing psychonauts' fora/platforms to better understand the online mentions of SC.

Results

The open-web crawling/navigating software identified here some 1,103 synthetic cannabinoids. Of these, 863 molecules were not listed in either the international or the European NPS databases.

Conclusion

A web crawling approach helped here in identifying a large range of unknown SC likely to possess a misuse p

SUBMITTER: Zangani C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7709145 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature