Synthetic cannabinoid induced ocular self-injury

Orbit. 2021 Aug;40(4):326-328. doi: 10.1080/01676830.2020.1781199. Epub 2020 Jun 18.

Abstract

Synthetic cannabinoids are a relatively new and increasingly popular recreational drug. While used for their hallucinogenic properties similar to natural cannabis, they have a greater and more serious side effect profile, including potentially severe neuropsychiatric toxicity. We report the cases of two patients with untreated schizophrenia who presented after ocular self-injury while intoxicated on K2. Both patients hallucinated that a bug was behind their eye, and in their attempts at removing the bug, damaged the periocular soft tissue. To our knowledge these are the first reports of ocular self-injury from synthetic cannabinoid intoxication.

Keywords: K2; ocular self injury; self-harm; synthetic cannabinoid.

MeSH terms

  • Cannabinoids* / adverse effects
  • Eye Injuries* / chemically induced
  • Hallucinations
  • Humans
  • Self-Injurious Behavior* / chemically induced

Substances

  • Cannabinoids