Investigating the Experiences and Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoid (kush/K2/Spice) Use Among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness in Houston, Texas.

Background: Synthetic cannabinoids (SC), colloquially known as kush, K2, and Spice, are low-cost substances with serious side effects. Their growing popularity has resulted in an increase in SC-related emergency department visits over recent years, particularly among people experiencing homelessness. Purpose: The present field survey study explored the connection between homelessness and SC use to describe the characteristics of SC use among this population. Methods: Individuals aged 18 years or older residing in homeless encampments in Houston, Texas, with experiences of SC use were eligible to participate. Participants completed an interviewer-administered survey about their SC use. Results: The majority of participants (N=65) were Black/African American (n=46, 65.7%) and male (n=58, 82.9%). Over half of study participants reported symptoms associated with dependence, such as increased tolerance (n=40, 61.5%). Participants reported a variety of serious physical side effects following SC use, including catatonia (n=35, 50%), seizures/convulsions (n=13, 18.6%), and heart palpitations/increased heart rate (n=35, 50%). A small proportion of participants reported instances of self-harm (n=8, 12.3%) and violence toward others (n=9, 13.8%) following SC use. Participants also reported emergency department use, vehicular accidents, being victims of robberies/theft, and sexual assault. Conclusions: The symptoms following SC use could lead to serious consequences for people experiencing homelessness, including criminal justice involvement, severe illness, hospitalization, victimization, and death. Further information about SC toxicity and potentially serious complications is needed for adequate clinical and community response, as well as to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with knowledge that can allow them to protect themselves when using SC and minimize its harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]