Krotulski AJ, Mohr AL, Logan BK
National Criminal Justice Reference ServiceSince 2008, synthetic cannabinoids have continued to proliferate and challenge the
forensic science community due to rapid appearance and diverse chemistry. To address these
concerns, an optimized method using high resolution mass spectrometry was developed that
allowed for high throughput analysis of biological samples and extracts for the presence of
synthetic cannabinoids and/or their metabolites.
Analysis was preformed using a Sciex
TripleTOF® 5600+ quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer with SWATH® Acquisition. To
complement the analysis, a comprehensive library was developed containing more than 250
parent compounds, metabolites, and internal standards. The library database was regularly
updated with emerging synthetic cannabinoids identified by monitoring various intelligence
streams.
The net result of this approach was the analysis of more than 6,000 sample extracts over
the course of eighteen months, which in turn helped generate six quarterly trend reports, eight
new identification drug monographs (5F-MDMB-PICA, APP-BINACA, and MDMB-4enPINACA), and one public health alert (4F-MDMB-BINACA). These reports involve synthetic cannabinoids that were not included in the original scope of testing at the time of reporting. Collectively, these reports provided timely data to forensic science professionals about the current landscape of synthetic cannabinoids in the United States, information which previously had not existed.
Using the described approach, our scientists monitored the rise and fall of synthetic cannabinoids and provided intelligence about how quickly newly identified synthetic cannabinoids were being implicated in forensic toxicology casework. The end goal was to provide laboratories with information about how frequently their scope of testing needed to be updated and specifically with which new analytes. This resource was prepared by the author(s) using Federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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