‘Crazy Monkey’ Poisons Man and Dog: Human and canine seizures due to PB-22, a novel synthetic cannabinoid

Abstract

We present a laboratory-confirmed case report of human and canine neurotoxicity associated with a novel synthetic cannabinoid, PB-22 (QUIPIC).

JWH-018 impairs sensorimotor functions in mice

“…hippocampus, amygdala and cortex) thus favoring the onset of convulsions (Vilela et al, 2013). These preclinical data are in agreement with the increasing clinical reports showing the occurrence of seizures and hyperreflexia in young people who have smoked ''spice'' products containing different synthetic cannabinoids (Lapoint et al, 2011;Simmons et al, 2011;Schneir and Baumbacher, 2012;McQuade et al, 2013;Gugelmann et al, 2014) and clearly outline that these compounds are extremely dangerous to human health.…”

Next generation of novel psychoactive substances on the horizon – A complex problem to face

“…Exposure to PB-22 containing product "Crazy Monkey" (see Fig. 1) lead to seizures in a man and his dog; laboratory analysis of human and canine plasma revealed the presence of PB-22 (Gugelmann et al, 2014). PB-22 was suspected to be involved in three deaths in Australia (Gerostamoulos et al, 2015).…”

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-like effects of novel synthetic cannabinoids found on the gray market

“…Four of the six compounds (UR-144, XLR-11, AKB-48, and AB-FUBINACA) have been identified in samples of synthetic cannabinoids obtained on the street (Kavanagh et al, 2013; Uchiyama et al, 2013; Strano Rossi et al, 2014). All six of the compounds have been found in blood or urine samples (or identified by verbal report) of users reporting adverse effects (Behonick et al, 2014; Gugelmann et al, 2014; Mohr et al, 2014; Strano Rossi et al, 2014), and the use of UR-144 or XLR-11 has been reported in cases of driving under the influence (Lemos, 2014; Musshoff et al, 2014). Of further concern, several of these compounds have been reported to produce significant adverse effects.…”

“…Of further concern, several of these compounds have been reported to produce significant adverse effects. For example, PB-22 caused convulsions in humans and canines (Gugelmann et al, 2014) and 5F-PB-22 was present in three cases of sudden death (Behonick et al, 2014). Renal toxicity associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids has also been reported, with XLR-11 being identified in several of the cases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013; Buser et al, 2014).…”