Synthetic Cannabinoids Laboratory Perspective OFFICE OF FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY SERVICES PRETRIAL SERVICES AGENCY FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Synthetic Cannabinoids Compounds that mimic effect of THC Bind to same receptors as THC Originally developed by research scientists and pharmaceutical companies in 1980s Abuse first showed up in Europe about 2004 Gained popularity in U.S. starting in 2010 Now a major problem socially, legally and analytically

Synthetic Cannabinoids Scientist/Companies John W. Huffman (JWH series) Rapheal Mechoulam (Hebrew University – HU-210) Pfizer (Charles Pfizer) CP series Abbott (Alexandros Makriyannis) AM series Illicit Sources Asia, Europe, and South America Some Synthetic Cannabinoids (SC) were named after researchers. (eg: JWH-018 are the initials of John W. Huffman)

Structures of some synthetic cannabinoids

Synthetic Cannabinoids Prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids Product changes rapidly; newer varieties being added Current Synthetic Cannabinoids being detected UR-144 and XLR-11 metabolites Minor JWH-018, JWH-073, AM-2201 metabolites AB Chminaca Metab, AB Fubinaca Metab, ADB Pinaca Metab, 5F-AB Pinaca Metab, AB Adbica Metab

Synthetic Cannabinoids Analytical challenges Screening limitations Drugs are a moving target Development time too long in most cases PSA Started Screening ALL specimens for SC – October 1, 2015 GC/MS limitations Lack of analytical support data Time consuming LC/MS/MS Method of choice Expensive Steep learning curve

Synthetic cannabinoids Trend Chart

Contact Information Felix Adatsi, Ph.D. Director, Office of Forensic Toxicology Services Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia 90 K Street, NE Suite 102 Washington, DC 20530 (202) 585-7259 Email: Felix.Adatsi@psa.gov

Contact Information Mikal Roc M.S. Immunoassay Unit Supervisor Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia 90 K Street, NE Suite 102 Washington, DC 20530 202-585-7263 Email: Mikal.Roc@psa.gov

Contact Information Jerome J. Robinson Director, Office of Forensic Research Pretrial Services Agency for D.C. 90 K Street, NE Suite 102 Washington, DC 20530 Office: 202-585-7254 Email: Jerome.Robinson@psa.gov