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Positivity of New Synthetic Cannabinoid 4F-MDMB-BICA Increasing in U.S. as Prevalence of 5F-MDMB-PICA Wanes

NCJ Number
307389
Author(s)
Alex J. Krotulski; Donna M. Papsun; Sara E. Walton; Barry K. Logan
Date Published
2023
Annotation

This public announcement seeks to notify public health and public safety, law enforcement, clinicians, medical examiners and coroners, laboratory personnel, drug treatment providers, and other related communities about new information about the emergent synthetic cannabinoid, 4F-MDMB-BICA.

Abstract

This brief document provides information about the emergent synthetic cannabinoid, 4F-MDMB-BICA, which was first identified in the U.S. in plant-like material seized by law enforcement in May 2020, and through toxicology casework in July of the same year. Concurrent emergence took place in European countries. This document provides a summary of 4F-MDMB-BICA, including facts about its emergence as well as structural analogues, toxicity, and adverse effects associated with the molecule. The announcement also provides demographic information about users, including age and sex, and geographical distribution in the U.S. The fact sheet also depicts the structure of the 4F-MDMB-BICA molecule, and provides recommendations for public health, clinicians, medical examiners and coroners, and laboratories.