PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Michael H. Baumann
AU  - Ernesto Solis, Jr.
AU  - Lucas R. Watterson
AU  - Julie A. Marusich
AU  - William E. Fantegrossi
AU  - Jenny L. Wiley
TI  - Baths Salts, Spice, and Related Designer Drugs: The Science Behind the Headlines
AID  - 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3223-14.2014
DP  - 2014 Nov 12
TA  - The Journal of Neuroscience
PG  - 15150--15158
VI  - 34
IP  - 46
4099  - http://www.jneurosci.org/content/34/46/15150.short
4100  - http://www.jneurosci.org/content/34/46/15150.full
SO  - J. Neurosci.2014 Nov 12; 34
AB  - The abuse of synthetic psychoactive substances known as “designer drugs,” or “new psychoactive substances” (NPS), is increasing at an alarming rate. NPS are purchased as alternatives to traditional illicit drugs of abuse and are manufactured to circumvent laws regulating the sale and use of controlled substances. Synthetic cathinones (i.e., “bath salts”) and synthetic cannabinoids (i.e., “spice”) are two types of NPS that have received substantial media attention. Although low recreational doses of bath salts or spice compounds can produce desirable effects, high doses or chronic exposure often leads to dangerous medical consequences, including psychosis, violent behaviors, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and even death. Despite the popularity of NPS, there is a paucity of scientific data about these drugs. Here we provide a brief up-to-date review describing the mechanisms of action and neurobiological effects of synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids.