Journal of Developing Drugs
Open Access

Abstract

Toxicological Profiling and Safety Assessment of Novel Synthetic Cannabinoids in Rodent Models

Lukas Steinbauer*

The emergence of novel Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCs) as recreational drugs poses a growing public health challenge due to their unpredictable pharmacological effects and toxicological profiles. Unlike phytocannabinoids such as Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol, synthetic cannabinoids are often full agonists at cannabinoid receptors and exhibit significantly greater potency, which increases the risk of severe adverse outcomes including neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and fatal overdose. Despite their increasing detection in forensic cases and emergency settings, comprehensive toxicological data on these compounds remain limited. This study aims to assess the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of select novel SCs using rodent models, focusing on behavioral, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular endpoints to evaluate their safety margins and potential for clinical harm.

Published Date: 2025-03-04; Received Date: 2025-02-03