“Spice”-related deaths in and around Munich, Germany: A retrospective look at the role of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in our post-mortem cases over a seven-year period (2014–2020)

• DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02995-2
• Publication Date: 2023-04-19T02:01:58Z
• Authors: Olwen Groth; Gabriele Roider; Verena Angerer; Jan Schäper; Matthias Graw; Frank Musshoff; Volker Auwärter
• Keywords: Synthetic cannabinoids; Recreational Drug; Medical jurisprudence

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs, "Spice") are a diverse group of recreational drugs, with their structural and pharmacological variability still evolving. Forensic toxicologists often rely on previous reports to assess role in intoxication cases. This work provides detailed information the "Spice"-related fatalities around Munich, Germany, from 2014 2020. All cases underwent an autopsy. Pharmaceutical illicit drugs were detected quantified post-mortem peripheral blood or liver by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Based circumstantial evidence, only those for which prior consumption was suspected additional analyses SCRAs other new psychoactive substances blood, antemortem specimens. Drug concentrations, pathological findings at autopsy case histories considered rank SCRAs' involvement each death. Concentration ranges individual defined distribution patterns over investigated period determined correlated legal status local police seizures. We identified 41 different among 98 fatalities. 91.8% male, median age 36 years. played causative 51%, contributory 26%, insignificant 23% In correlation seizures status, 5F-ADB most prevalent our cases, followed 5F-MDMB-PICA AB-CHMINACA. Cumyl-CBMICA 5F-MDMB-P7AICA least frequently SCRAs. have significantly decreased since German New Psychoactive Substances Act.