Spain's Health Ministry Identifies Four Synthetic Cannabinoids Seized in Madrid Prisons

Spain's Ministry of Health issued an alert identifying four synthetic cannabinoids found on papers seized during ten interventions across Madrid prisons between November 2024 and April 2026. These substances, commonly called "papelitos" (small papers), represent a concerning trend of novel psychoactive substances circulating in correctional facilities. While the identification provides insights into specific synthetic cannabinoid variants being used, the alert does not quantify the extent of consumption or document the number of intoxication cases resulting from these substances. The findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and harm reduction strategies in prison settings, where access to synthetic cannabinoids poses public health and security risks.