6C42

ICD-11 MMS 2026-01

Disorders due to use of synthetic cannabinoids

Description

Disorders due to use of synthetic cannabinoids are characterised by the pattern and consequences of synthetic cannabinoid use. Synthetic cannabinoids are synthesized diverse chemical compounds that are potent agonists for endogenous cannabinoid receptors. There are several hundred such compounds. The synthetic compound is typically sprayed onto a vehicle such as cannabis or tea leaves and then smoked. The effect of these compounds is distinctly different from smoking naturally cultivated cannabis in that the euphoric effects are typically accompanied or dominated by psychotic-like symptoms (e.g., paranoia, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior). Synthetic Cannabinoid Intoxication may therefore present more frequently with psychotic symptoms in addition to the more typical effects of cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids are also dependence-producing and Synthetic Cannabinoid Dependence and Synthetic Cannabinoid Withdrawal are recognized. Synthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Mental Disorders also occur; in particular Synthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Psychotic Disorder is recognized.

Excludes

  • 6C41 – Disorders due to use of cannabis

Exclusions from above levels

  • QE62 – Uncomplicated bereavement
  • QE84 – Acute stress reaction

Child codes

  • 6C42.0 – Episode of harmful use of synthetic cannabinoids
  • 6C42.1 – Harmful pattern of use of synthetic cannabinoids
  • 6C42.2 – Synthetic cannabinoid dependence
  • 6C42.3 – Synthetic cannabinoid intoxication
  • 6C42.4 – Synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal
  • 6C42.5 – Synthetic cannabinoid-induced delirium
  • 6C42.6 – Synthetic cannabinoid-induced psychotic disorder
  • 6C42.7 – Certain specified synthetic cannabinoids-induced mental or behavioural disorders
  • 6C42.Y – Other specified disorders due to use of synthetic cannabinoids
  • 6C42.Z – Disorders due to use of synthetic cannabinoids, unspecified

Sibling codes

  • 6C40 – Disorders due to use of alcohol
  • 6C41 – Disorders due to use of cannabis
  • 6C43 – Disorders due to use of opioids
  • 6C44 – Disorders due to use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
  • 6C45 – Disorders due to use of cocaine
  • 6C46 – Disorders due to use of stimulants including amphetamines, methamphetamine or methcathinone
  • 6C47 – Disorders due to use of synthetic cathinones
  • 6C48 – Disorders due to use of caffeine
  • 6C49 – Disorders due to use of hallucinogens
  • 6C4A – Disorders due to use of nicotine
  • 6C4B – Disorders due to use of volatile inhalants
  • 6C4C – Disorders due to use of methylene-dioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] or related drugs, including methylene-dioxyamphetamine [MDA]
  • 6C4D – Disorders due to use of dissociative drugs including ketamine or phencyclidine (PCP)
  • 6C4E – Disorders due to use of other specified psychoactive substances, including medications
  • 6C4F – Disorders due to use of multiple specified psychoactive substances, including medications
  • 6C4G – Disorders due to use of unknown or unspecified psychoactive substances
  • 6C4H – Disorders due to use of non-psychoactive substances
  • 6C4Y – Other specified disorders due to substance use
  • 6C4Z – Disorders due to substance use, unspecified

Foundation entity

Disorders due to use of synthetic cannabinoids – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/804833492

Allowed postcoordination axes

Part of: 06: Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders