Historique
Article de Périodique
5F-AKB48: A synthetic cannabinoid presenting an emerging public health concern in France (2025)
Auteur(s) :
HARMEL, C. ;
CARE, W. ;
LABORDE-CASTEROT, H. ;
LIAUTARD, M. ;
LANGRAND, J. ;
DUFAYET, L.
Année
2025
Page(s) :
art. 104972
Langue(s) :
Anglais
Domaine :
Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs
Discipline :
PRO (Produits, mode d'action, méthode de dépistage / Substances, action mode, screening methods)
Thésaurus géographique
FRANCE
Thésaurus mots-clés
DROGUES DE SYNTHESE
;
CANNABINOIDES
;
PHENOMENE EMERGENT
;
ADOLESCENT
;
ETUDE DE CAS
;
SYMPTOME
;
TOXICITE
;
BASE DE DONNEES
Résumé :
Introduction: 5F-AKB48 is a potent synthetic cannabinoid with psychoactive effects. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 5F-AKB48 exposures reported to French Poison Control Centers (PCCs).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all acute 5F-AKB48 exposure cases reported to French PCCs from 2017 to 2024. Collected data included patient demographics, symptoms, and outcomes. Poisoning severity was assessed using the Poison Severity Score (PSS).
Results: A total of 304 cases were identified, mostly in adolescent males (median age: 16.5 years; sex ratio: 4.4). Most exposures occurred in northern France. 5F-AKB48 was used alone in 91% of cases. Of these, 59% presented with mild symptoms, 35% with moderate symptoms, and 4% with severe symptoms (including seizures, coma, and agitation). More severe outcomes were observed in cases involving multiple substances. No fatalities were reported, though the outcome was unknown in 36% of cases.
Conclusion: 5F-AKB48 appears to be an emerging recreational drug among adolescents in France, probably due to its discreet use in liquid forms compatible with e-cigarette. While most cases were mild to moderate, the potential for serious toxicity, particularly with co-exposure, should not be overlooked. The associated risks call for stronger public health measures, including stricter e-cigarettes regulation and drug education initiatives in educational settings. [Author's abstract]
Highlights:
5F-AKB48 ('Buddha blue'), also known as PTC ('pète ton crâne'), is a synthetic cannabinoid with strong psychoactive effects.
Despite being classified as a narcotic in France since 2017, its use appears to be increasing, especially among teenagers.
A total of 304 cases were identified between 2017 and 2024, with a median of 15.5 cases per year. Most patients were adolescent males (median age: 16.5 years; male/female ratio: 4.4).
5F-AKB48 was used alone in 91% of cases. Of these, 59% presented with mild symptoms, 35% with moderate symptoms, and 4% with severe symptoms.
Our results highlight the emergence of 5F-AKB48 among adolescents in France. Although most cases were mild to moderate, the potential for severe toxicity, especially with co-exposure, should not be overlooked.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all acute 5F-AKB48 exposure cases reported to French PCCs from 2017 to 2024. Collected data included patient demographics, symptoms, and outcomes. Poisoning severity was assessed using the Poison Severity Score (PSS).
Results: A total of 304 cases were identified, mostly in adolescent males (median age: 16.5 years; sex ratio: 4.4). Most exposures occurred in northern France. 5F-AKB48 was used alone in 91% of cases. Of these, 59% presented with mild symptoms, 35% with moderate symptoms, and 4% with severe symptoms (including seizures, coma, and agitation). More severe outcomes were observed in cases involving multiple substances. No fatalities were reported, though the outcome was unknown in 36% of cases.
Conclusion: 5F-AKB48 appears to be an emerging recreational drug among adolescents in France, probably due to its discreet use in liquid forms compatible with e-cigarette. While most cases were mild to moderate, the potential for serious toxicity, particularly with co-exposure, should not be overlooked. The associated risks call for stronger public health measures, including stricter e-cigarettes regulation and drug education initiatives in educational settings. [Author's abstract]
Highlights:
5F-AKB48 ('Buddha blue'), also known as PTC ('pète ton crâne'), is a synthetic cannabinoid with strong psychoactive effects.
Despite being classified as a narcotic in France since 2017, its use appears to be increasing, especially among teenagers.
A total of 304 cases were identified between 2017 and 2024, with a median of 15.5 cases per year. Most patients were adolescent males (median age: 16.5 years; male/female ratio: 4.4).
5F-AKB48 was used alone in 91% of cases. Of these, 59% presented with mild symptoms, 35% with moderate symptoms, and 4% with severe symptoms.
Our results highlight the emergence of 5F-AKB48 among adolescents in France. Although most cases were mild to moderate, the potential for severe toxicity, especially with co-exposure, should not be overlooked.
Affiliation :
Unité Médico-Judiciaire, Hôtel Dieu - APHP, Paris, France
Institut Médico-Légal, Paris, France
Institut Médico-Légal, Paris, France