Citation

Forrester MB, Haywood T. Am. J. Drug Alcohol Abuse 2012; 38(6): 603-608.

Affiliation

Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries Section, Texas Department of State Health Services , Austin, TX , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/00952990.2012.670339

PMID

22571605

Abstract

Background: Synthetic cannabinoids have recently gained popularity as recreational drugs because they provide a marijuana-like high and cannot be detected in typical urine drug screens. However, the use of synthetic cannabinoids may result in a variety of adverse effects. Objectives: The intent of this investigation was to determine whether synthetic cannabinoid exposures in Texas demonstrated any geographic variation. Methods: A total of 1037 synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers during 2010-2011 were identified and the county and Texas Public Health Region (PHR) where the call originated from ascertained. The distribution of exposures by county and PHR was determined. Results: Synthetic cannabinoid exposures were reported in 124 of the 254 Texas counties (mean exposures per county 4.1, range 0-179). The exposure rate among the 11 PHRs varied from 2.79 to 7.14 per 100,000 population. The rate was 4.02 in urban counties and 4.90 in rural counties. Conclusion: Synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers varied by geographic region. The rate tended to be higher in rural counties. Scientific Significance: Such information may be useful when attempting to target education and prevention activities.

Language: en