Synthetic Cannabinoid Drug Information

SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS

Classification usage

JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-250 and other similar chemicals are the primary synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists responsible for the euphoric and psychoactive effects that imitate marijuana. Chemically they are not similar to cannabinoids but the term "Synthetic Cannabinoids" or "Cannabinomimetics" is widely used to refer to them as they're cannabinoid-like in their activity.

The synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists fall into seven major structural groups:

• Naphthoylindoles (e.g. JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-081, AM-2201)
• Naphthylmethylindoles* (JWH-185, JWH-199)
• Naphthoylpyrroles* (JWH-369, JWH-370)
• Naphthylmethylindenes* (JWH-176)
• Phenylacetylindoles (JWH-250, RCS-4)
• Cyclohexylphenols (e.g. CP 47,497 and homologues of CP 47,497)
• Classical cannabinoids (e.g. HU-210)

*Compounds in these groups have not been detected in herbal blends so far.

Metabolism

Little is known about the detailed pharmacology and toxicology of the synthetic cannabinoids and few formal human studies have been published.

JWH-018 JWH-073, JWH-250 and other similar synthetic cannabinoids metabolize extensively in humans via oxidation, carboxylation and glucuronide conjugation. JWH-250, JWH-081 and RCS-4 also undergo demethylation to produce the respective metabolites. Following a single low dose, multiple hydroxylated and carboxylated JWH-018, JWH-073 and JWH-250 metabolites, both in free and conjugated forms can be detected up to 72 hours in human urine. Very little parent drug is excreted in urine. In case of chronic use the detection window is expected to be much longer.

Presence of parent drug in saliva confirms ingestion; average detection window up to 24-48 hours.

It is possible that, apart from high potency, some other synthetic cannabinoids could have particularly long half-lives, potentially leading to a prolonged psychoactive effect. In addition, there is considerable inter-and intra-batch variability in smoking mixtures, both in terms of substances present and their quantity. Thus, there is a higher potential for overdose than with cannabis.

Abuse

Spice was the first product laced with synthetic cannabinoids to appear in the market and became popular in Europe in 2008. In the U.S., the brand K2 became popular in 2009, and since then many competing products have appeared. These products are typically sold as incense or potpourri and consist of synthetic cannabinoid chemicals sprayed on dried leaves, flowers and herbs. The product isn't marketed for human consumption, but when smoked or infused it produces a marijuana-like high.

Products containing certain synthetic cannabinoids are banned in many countries. Here in the U.S., the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently used emergency powers to outlaw five chemicals found in synthetic marijuana, placing them in the Schedule I (not for legitimate medical use) category. But manufacturers are quick to adapt, producing new products with formulations that are only a single molecule apart from the illegal ones. The same product often is spiked with different doses of different drugs, making it difficult for users to know what they are taking.

Numerous health agencies and professionals say these substances have spurred symptoms that include a racing heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, confusion, nausea, and in some cases seizures and hallucinations. As of November 30th, 2011, more than 6,000 calls regarding fake marijuana have been received by poison control centers around the nation this year.

Methods of Analysis

RTL's test will utilize the most sophisticated, sensitive and specific equipment and technology available, LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry) to confirm JWH-018, JWH-073, AM-2201, RCS-4, JWH-081, and JWH-250 in urine metabolites. For oral fluid testing, the same technology will be utilized to confirm parent compounds of JWH-018, JWH-073 and JWH-250.

To reduce false-negative results, the detection method relies on monitoring multiple urine metabolites for each of the compounds. RTL's test methodology provides the most definitive synthetic cannabinoid biomarker test results.

Drug information data is not definitive and should be used for reference guidelines only.