Research and analysis
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists
This report provides an updated harms assessment to the ACMD's previous reports on synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists.
Documents
Details
In February 2019, the then-Home Secretary commissioned the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to provide:
- an updated harms assessment to the ACMD’s previous reports on synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA)
- advice on whether the current classification of these compounds under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and scheduling of these compounds under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 remains appropriate
In response, the ACMD produced this report, which includes an examination of:
- the evidence on illicit supply routes
- prevalence of use in the UK
- associated harms of SCRA use as documented internationally and in the UK
In addition to providing evidence-based advice on the appropriate classification and scheduling of SCRA, the ACMD have provided a number of supporting recommendations that aim to reduce the availability and harm of these substances through improved surveillance and enhanced drug treatment services.
Updates to this page
Published 28 October 2020Last updated 6 December 2022 + show all updates
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Added the government and devolved nations response to the ACMD report.
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First published.