In eight countries in Europe, about a quarter of the 1,142 smokable hemp (flowers, resin, vape liquid <1% THC) samples tested contained the synthetic designer drug MDMB-4en-PINACA. It is a potent CB1 receptor agonist, first reported last year. The vape liquid samples contained zero phytocannabinoids.
The toxic dose of MDMB-4en-PINACA is unknown, but it’s likely to be less than the size of your fingernail. It was discovered by drug testing groups, which typically test ecstasy and other hard drugs for festival- and concert-goers. Three serious health incidents requiring hospitalization after use of an adulterated cannabis sample were reported.
This troubling development is a direct consequence of marijuana prohibition, people seeking relief but unable to obtain cannabis or at-risk in the event of a drug test positive.
“Cannabis adulterated with the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist MDMB-4en-PINACA and the role of European drug checking services
International Journal of Drug Policy, Volume 100, February 2022
Highlights
• Low-THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) cannabis adulterated with synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) emerged in early 2020.
• The most commonly seen adulterant was the highly potent MDMB-4en-PINACA.
• By April 2020, 9 drug checking services in 8 countries identified this adulteration.
• Effective monitoring and warning require international cooperation.”