A Devastating Cause of Burns: Synthetic Cannabinoid Abuse

Abstract

Synthetic cannabinoids are human-made chemicals that are agonists of cannabinoid receptors. Globally, they have been marketed illegally for their psychoactive effects since the 2000s. The first synthetic cannabinoid traffic in Turkey was detected in the early 2010s. Since then, their psychiatric and psychological complications have become a growing concern. Bonzai, a common form of synthetic cannabinoid in our country, has varying mind-altering effects, from depression to euphoria. This altered state of mind makes users prone to trauma. Herein, we present our experiences of Bonzai-related burn cases. A total of 12 patients were referred to the Plastic Surgery, Orthopedics, and Traumatology Clinics between January 2018 and December 2020; their ages ranged from 18 to 57 years (average age: 33.5 years). The total burn surface area ranged from 2% to 40%. Five patients had been operated on due to burn injuries; all of these patients had complications and secondary surgeries. Two patients were lost after admission to the hospital, and three patients were lost during follow-up. Only one patient was verified to be clean from drugs after discharge from the hospital. We aim to point out the alarming danger of this synthetic drug, which can affect all ages and walks of life.