We’re back to talking about cannabis light, but this time not for the thorny issue of regularization. The National Rapid Alert System for Drugs of the Department of Drug Policies and Other Addiction, of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, has reported the presence of MDMB-PINACA, a dangerous synthetic cannabinoid, in some light cannabis products.
The affair once again reignites controversy over the sector, which has been experiencing a truly difficult period in recent months.
What is MDMB-PINACA
MDMB-PINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid, a molecule created in the laboratory to replicate the effects of natural THC, which however has a higher potency than the active ingredients naturally present in cannabis. Initially developed for research purposes, this indazole-based molecule has found use in the psychoactive substances market.
The main characteristic of this compound is its unpredictability: the effects can vary greatly and include confusion, hallucinations, nausea, loss of consciousness and intense sedation. In some documented cases in Europe, the consumption of products containing this substance has led to serious health consequences.
This is what we read on the Italian Government website:
MDMB-PINACA, whose potency is much higher than that of THC, causes unpredictable, dangerous, serious and lethal effects including confusion, hallucinations, vomiting, loss of consciousness and profound sedation. Cases of serious and lethal intoxication have already been reported in Europe and, recently, a death in Italy has been linked to the consumption of products containing this substance.
The Italian case
The matter emerged following a serious episode that occurred on November 28, when a 23-year-old man died after falling from a balcony after entering a state of confusion following the consumption of light cannabis purchased in a shop in Florence. According to what has been reconstructed, the boy was in a B&B with his brother, who reported to the authorities the rapid worsening of his condition after smoking the product. Subsequent analyzes revealed the presence of the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-PINACA.
The checks conducted by the Florence Police Headquarters led to the seizure of approximately 10 kilograms of light cannabis in the point of sale. Laboratory tests confirmed the contamination, while investigations revealed that the product had been purchased by the shop owner during a trade fair in Prague, Czech Republic.
But Italy is not the only country affected by the problem. Cases of intoxication linked to the consumption of products containing MDMB-PINACA have been recorded in several European states, with a particular concentration in the Czech Republic.
Carlo Alessandro Locatelli, director of the Poison Control Center of Pavia, explained to Repubblica that these synthetic cannabinoids are deliberately added to the products to amplify their effects, a practice that involves significant risks considering the greater potency of these substances compared to natural THC.
A critical aspect is that MDMB-PINACA is not visually recognisable: contaminated products look the same as others, making it impossible for consumers to identify any adulterations before purchasing.
What to do
The National Rapid Alert System recommends paying maximum attention to products sold as cannabis light. In case of suspected intoxication or adverse effects, the Pavia Poison Control Center is active 24 hours a day, as well as the emergency health services.
The Anti-Drug Department has also activated the monitoring procedures required to report any further cases and provide updates to the collaborative centers and competent authorities.
