Independent report

Semi-synthetic cannabinoids related to tetrahydro-cannabinol and cannabidiol

ACMD review into the use and harms of SSCs and THCA to identify compounds causing harm which are not captured by the current generic definition for cannabinoids.

• From: Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
• Published: 22 May 2025
• Last updated: 23 May 2025 — See all updates

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Covering letter to Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (accessible)

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Covering letter to Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention

PDF, 165 KB, 6 pages

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Semi-synthetic cannabinoids related to tetrahydro-cannabinol and cannabidiol

PDF, 874 KB, 63 pages

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Details

The ACMD has conducted a review into the use and harms of semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSCs) and tetrahydro-cannabinol acid (THCA), with the aims of identifying specific compounds causing health and social harms that are not captured by the current generic definition for cannabinoids.

The ACMD recommends that these compounds should be controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (MDA) under Class B and Schedule I of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (MDR).

The ACMD also recommends that the UK generic text for cannabinoids in the MDA should be updated so that psychoactive semi-synthetic cannabinoids will be captured and controlled under legislation.

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Published 22 May 2025

Last updated 23 May 2025 + show all updates

1. 23 May 2025

   Accessible (HTML) version of covering letter added.

2. 22 May 2025

   First published.