French health authorities are raising the alarm about the increasing use of synthetic cannabinoids, marketed under various names such as "PTC" ("Pète ton crâne," meaning "Blow Your Mind"). Generally consumed using e-cigarettes, these colorless and odorless products are particularly difficult to detect. Their potency can be far greater than that of traditional cannabis, and their effects are often unpredictable due to the variable composition of the mixtures.
Since 2025, nearly 500 cases of poisoning have been recorded in France, including two deaths. More than seven out of ten victims are between 13 and 18 years old. Emergency services report symptoms that are sometimes severe, including hallucinations, seizures, cardiac problems, breathing difficulties, and loss of consciousness. Classified as narcotics since 2017, these substances continue to circulate widely on social media.
Consumption levels that worry the authorities
According to a survey conducted by the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT) among more than 11,000 secondary school students, 3,4% reported having already tried a synthetic cannabinoid. Experts emphasize that the chemical composition changes regularly from one batch to another, making each instance of consumption potentially dangerous, even for dealers who are sometimes unaware of the exact concentration of the substances they sell.
In response to this increase, several distribution networks have been dismantled by law enforcement in recent months. Health authorities are urging parents, schools, and healthcare professionals to be extra vigilant, reminding them that these products, sometimes sold for as little as ten euros, can cause severe poisoning from the very first use.
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