Recently the media reported the tragic death of a 23-year-old female after consuming cannabis sweets. She used a messaging app and brought what she thought were regular THC edibles.

Unfortunately, these sweets contained SCRA's (synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists), the manufactured synthetic version of cannabis. The sweets were packaged as "Trrlli Peachie O's" and came from East London. The packaging was professional and did not indicate that they were, in fact, SCRA's. This is a tragic loss of a young person's life, and I feel the need to explain again the dangers of SCRA and why you need to test what's been purchased if you're unsure.

An Open Market

As more and more people want to try edibles as an alternative and safer way to consume cannabis, we see various products new to the market. Cannabis is sold as gummy bears, Nerds, candy ropes, chewing gum, lollipops, vaping products and creams.

Traditional cannabis is pretty easy to spot. It has that touch, the feel and more importantly, the smell. These new products are less easier to spot if they have SCRA's in them.

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are heterogeneous compounds originally intended as probes of the endogenous cannabinoid system or as potential therapeutic agents. 

As SCRA's are artificially created, they are much cheaper than a cannabis bud. There are many unscrupulous people out there who just want to make quick money regardless of the impact this has on users. Recent intelligence from the midlands area suggests that up to 20% of Cannabis edibles are, in fact, SCRA's. They're readily available, marketed and sold as high THC content sweets.

Effects of taking SCRA's

SCRA's do not bear any similarity to the chemical make-up of cannabis. What they do is stimulate the same receptors, CB1 & CB2 receptors. Some SCRA's have been known to be up to 800 times stronger than cannabis.

Physical feelings

Tight chest, fast or irregular pulse. Breathing difficulties, dizziness, numbness and vomiting.

Major effects

These can include Chest pain, heart attack, renal injury, seizures, heart poisoning, and death.

Mental effects

Anxiety attacks, psychosis effects, inappropriate sexual behaviour, anger, sadness, depression and suicidal thoughts. Aggression, panic attacks, auditory and visual hallucinations. Users can suffer from short term memory loss, confusion and nonsensical speech.

Staying Safe with Synthetic Cannabinoids 

• If you can, I would highly recommend testing your edibles. These are simple kits that can be done at home.
• Try a small dose first. Wait for up to 1hr and measure the effects
• Do not mix with alcohol or other drugs

If you think someone has consumed SCRA's and is now feeling unwell, having a seizure, racing heart, you must call an ambulance.

I'm sorry to say that it doesn't matter how experienced a user you are; the effects of taking SCRA's are real. Stay safe and always try to use the same trusted dealer.