Since early 2025, French health authorities have reported a sharp increase in poisoning associated with synthetic cannabinoids, particularly among adolescents. In response, the General Directorate of Health (DGS) urged healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and report suspected cases.

Hidden Products

Synthetic cannabinoids are laboratory-produced chemicals designed to mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. However, their effects may be substantially more potent.

According to the DGS, recent poisonings have frequently been linked to the use of odorless, colorless, vaping liquids marketed as cannabidiol products and promoted as legal alternatives. Consumers are often unaware of the true composition of these products, which may contain one or more synthetic cannabinoids classified as narcotics.

These substances are sold under various names, including PTC (“pète ton crâne”), Buddha Blue, Spleen, and K2. Detection can be challenging because standard toxicology screening does not consistently identify these compounds.

Youth Impact

Between January 2025 and April 30, 2026, the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety received approximately 500 reports through the French network of 13 Centers for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependence-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A). More than 70% involved individuals aged 13-18 years, most of whom were male. Of these, 71% were classified as serious. Two deaths were reported in the cases of recurrent seizures or suicide.

When analysis of products or biologic samples was possible, representing nearly 20% of reported cases, one or more synthetic cannabinoids classified as narcotics were identified.

Health authorities described the situation as particularly concerning in schools, where these products appear to be circulating widely.

Clinical Features

The clinical presentations are highly variable and often nonspecific. Reported manifestations include:

• Neurologic symptoms such as agitation, confusion, seizures, and altered consciousness that may progress to coma
• Psychiatric symptoms including hallucinations, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, and withdrawal symptoms
• Cardiovascular complications such as tachycardia, chest pain, arrhythmias, bradycardia, and circulatory collapse
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting

In the most severe cases, acute multiorgan failure may occur, involving neurologic, cardiovascular, and metabolic complications, including severe acidosis and hyperlactatemia.

Clinical Response

In response to the public health alert, authorities advised healthcare professionals to:

• Promptly identify exposure to synthetic cannabinoids in patients, particularly adolescents, presenting with compatible symptoms and arrange referral for appropriate care.
• Immediate emergency evaluation is recommended for patients with seizures, altered consciousness, severe agitation, respiratory distress, chest pain, and other signs of serious illness.
• Clinicians are also encouraged to seek advice from a CEIP-A center or a poison control center when needed and to inform patients and families about available support and information resources.
• Whenever feasible and safe, suspected products should be retained for analysis through the French National Identification System for Toxics and Substances (SINTES). The SINTES program was established to rapidly identify newly circulating substances, improve the assessment of health risks, and support the adaptation of prevention and treatment strategies.
• Healthcare professionals should also raise awareness among adolescents and their families regarding the potentially serious risks associated with these substances.

The DGS further emphasized the importance of reporting all suspected or confirmed cases through the French National Portal for Reporting Adverse Health Events.

This story was translated from Univadis France, part of the Medscape Professional Network.