Disruption of hippocampal synaptic transmission and long‐term potentiation by psychoactive synthetic cannabinoid ‘Spice’ compounds: comparison with Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol

Abstract There has been a marked increase in the availability of synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of marijuana. These cannabimimetic drugs, sold illicitly as ‘Spice’ and related products, are associated with serious medical complications in some users. In vitro studies suggest that synthetic cannabinoids in these preparations are potent agonists at central cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs), but few investigations have delineated their cellular effects, particularly in comparison with the psychoactive component of marijuana, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC). We compared the