Novel Psychoactive Substances / Synthetic Cannabinoids

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS): broad term for synthetic / new compounds mimicking traditional drugs. Common categories: • Synthetic cannabinoids (Spice, K2, Black Mamba, Mojo) — most common in UK; bind cannabinoid receptors with high potency; very different effects from natural cannabis. • Synthetic cathinones (mephedrone, MDPV, methcathinone, alpha-PVP / 'flakka') — stimulant; similar to MDMA / cocaine. • Hallucinogenic NPS (NBOMe, AMT, 25I-NBOMe) — extremely potent; severe toxicity at low doses. • Dissociatives (methoxetamine, MXE) — ketamine-like. • Synthetic opioids (fentanyl analogues, U-47700) — extreme respiratory depression. Features highly variable; often unknown substance + adulterant. Common: agitation, psychosis, seizures, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, AKI, cardiovascular events, respiratory depression (synthetic opioids).