In 2012, it was discovered as an ingredient in synthetic cannabinoid blends in Japan,[7] along with a related compound AB-PINACA, which had not previously been reported.

[10] In Finland AB-FUBINACA is scheduled in government decree on psychoactive substances banned from the consumer market as of 19 October 2017.

[15] By the end of the week, the total number of overdosed had risen to over 100 people needing transport to local emergency rooms.

Three men were arrested, charged as drug dealers selling synthetic cannabis which contained AB-FUBINACA.

[19] Almost all of the overdoses occurred on the New Haven Green, a large downtown park that is heavily traveled and very popular with the homeless population.