Occupational transdermal poisoning with synthetic cannabinoid cumyl-PINACA

Abstract

Context: Synthetic cannabinoids are getting more popular among young people and illicit manufacturers. We report a case series of occupational transdermal poisoning with synthetic cannabinoids.

Case details: Three customs inspectors got in contact with a sticky substance with their fingertips because they were not wearing protection gloves and the delivered package was damaged. Despite washing their hands with water, signs of synthetic cannabinoids intoxication started occurring half an hour after exposure. On arrival at the Emergency Department six hours later, they were somnolent, lethargic and confused. They showed signs of mydriasis, blurred vision, ataxia, weakness, numbness, tachycardia and one of them had orthostatic hypotension. Two days later, they were feeling much better and reported amnesia and slowed perception of time after exposure. Toxicology analysis by LC-MS/MS revealed synthetic cannabinoid cumyl-PINACA (SGT-24) in their blood samples taken on admission. cumyl-PINACA was also confirmed with NMR method in liquid samples seized at the airport. It was 98% pure substance with the purpose of being diluted and sold further in the drug market by drug dealer.

Discussion: This case series highlights the possible transdermal exposure to synthetic cannabinoids oil resulting in prolonged cannabinoid syndrome.

Keywords:

• Synthetic cannabinoids
• transdermal exposure
• occupational poisoning
• potency
• safety
• cumyl-PINACA
• SGT-24

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Sonja Klemenc from National Forensic Laboratory, Ljubljana, Slovenia for providing a photo of seized cumyl-PINACA.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.