Analytical techniques for screening of cannabis and derivatives from human hair specimens.

Cannabis and associated substances are some of the most frequently abused drugs across the globe, mainly due to their anxiolytic and euphorigenic properties. Nowadays, the analysis of hair samples has been given high importance in forensic and analytical sciences and in clinical studies because they are associated with a low risk of infection, do not require complicated storage conditions, and offer a broad window of non-invasive detection. Analysis of hair samples is very easy compared to the analysis of blood, urine, and saliva samples. This review places particular emphasis on methodologies of analyzing hair samples containing cannabis, with a special focus on the preparation of samples for analysis, which involves screening and extraction techniques, followed by confirmatory assays. Through this manuscript, we have presented an overview of the available literature on the screening of cannabis using mass spectroscopy techniques. We have presented a detailed overview of the advantages and disadvantages of this technique, to establish it as a suitable method for the analysis of cannabis from hair samples.

Methamphetamine as the most common concomitant substance used with pregabalin misuse.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Non-medical use of Pregabalin (PGB) is a growing concern in many countries because of the serious consequences associated with their abuse. Judicial cases within the probation system, multiple drug users, and patients in treatment programs administered PGB at higher doses than suggested, commonly without prescription. For this reason, it is important to analyze PGB by adding it to the routine analysis scale in determining whether PGB is used for medical purposes or abuse. In this study, PGB analyzed (single or multiple substance use, concomitant substances) in urine samples of forensic and clinical cases by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition to the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of pregabalin-positive cases, the results were evaluated separately from a clinical and forensic perspective. METHODS: All urine samples which was admitted to Addiction Toxicology Laboratory from 'drug abuse probation system' (forensic cases, n = 640) and from various departments of our hospital (clinical cases, n = 371) between December 2022 and April 2023. Screening analysis were carried out by immunoassay in total 1011 cases. LC-MS/MS method simultaneously analyzed amphetamine, benzoilecgonine, cocaine, codeine, metamphetamine, morphine, 3,4-metilenedioksi-N-metilamfetamin (MDMA), 11-nor-9-karboksi-Δ9-tetrahidrokannabinol and pregabalin in urine samples. PGB was added to the our routine substance screening analysis scale in December 2022 to detect pregabalin use. RESULTS: PGB was detected in 12.3% of probabition cases and 13.2% of clinical cases. The mean age of PGB positive cases was 26.55 ± 7,52 years old, predominantly males (%85,9). Single PGB was detected in 53.2% of forensic cases (n = 42), and 38.7% of clinical cases (n = 19). The most common substance detected concomitantly with PGB was amphetamine type stimulants (ATSs:amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy/MDMA etc.) (22.8% of forensic cases and 46.9% of clinical cases), followed by concomitant cannabis use (24.1% of forensic cases and 26.5% of clinical cases). Concomitant opioid use was rare (1.3% of forensic cases and 4.1% of clinical cases). Detection of PGB was significantly different across months on which the samples were collected (x2 = 82.8, df=4, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Inconsistently with previous studies suggesting opioids as the most prevalant substances concominant with PGB, our results showed that stimulants (especially ATSs) were the most prevelant substances concominant with PGB, followed by cannabis. High proportion of PGB detection in probabition cases, frequently as a single substance abuse takes attention. These results suggest that PGB, may be used to avoid legal consequences. It is important for laboratories to be aware that they need to make changes as addition of newly abused substances in their analysis panels, when necessary, as differences between regions and cultures affect substance use patterns.

Identifying a suspect powder as a cannabis concentrate through chemical analysis and DNA testing.

PURPOSE: Cannabis is regulated in many countries, and cannabis products are diversifying, which can hinder identification. Here, we report the seizure of a powder sample with a cannabis-like odor in a spice bottle labeled "nutmeg" and identification of the sample by chemical testing and cannabis DNA testing. METHODS: The sample was observed under a microscope, extracted with methanol, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The chemical profile of the seized powder was compared with that of nutmeg samples. Gas chromatography-flame ionization detection was used to estimate the total Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) concentration in the sample. A commercially available cannabis DNA testing kit was used to confirm the presence of cannabis plant DNA in the seized sample. RESULTS: The characteristics of cannabis in the seized powder were difficult to determine through microscopic observation alone. GC-MS analysis identified ß-caryophyllene (an aromatic component of cannabis) and five cannabinoids unique to cannabis, including Δ9-THC. No common compounds were identified in the seized powder or nutmeg samples. The total Δ9-THC concentration in the sample was very high (approximately 47% by weight). Cannabis DNA testing confirmed that the seized powder contained cannabis. CONCLUSIONS: The seized powder was found to be a processed product made from a finely pulverized resin-like cannabis concentrate. Our results indicate that combined chemical and DNA analysis should help identify cannabis-related samples in various forms.

Identification of Terpene Compositions in the Leaves and Inflorescences of Hybrid Cannabis Species Using Headspace-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.

Although cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol in Cannabis species exert their pharmacological effects via the endocannabinoid system, it is believed that other phytochemicals, particularly terpenes, can modulate therapeutic outcomes through the entourage effect. Therefore, to gain a better understanding of the pharmacological effects of Cannabis, obtaining information on phytochemical compositions, including mono-, di-, and sesqui-terpenes in Cannabis species is essential. Applying a sophisticated analytical method is indispensable. In this study, headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) was employed to identify major terpenes in the leaves and inflorescences of hybrid Cannabis species. The incubation time and temperature conditions for HS-GC/MS were optimized. This method was successfully applied to the leaves (n = 9) and inflorescences (n = 7) of hybrid Cannabis species. A total of 26 terpenes in Cannabis species were detected, and six major components, such as α-pinene (9.8-2270 µg/g), ß-pinene (2.6-930 µg/g), myrcene (0.7-17,400 µg/g), limonene (1.3-300 µg/g), ß-caryophyllene (60-3300 µg/g), and α-humulene (40-870 µg/g), were quantified. Each sample showed different terpene compositions, but six major terpenes among all the terpenes detected were consistently found in both the leaves and inflorescences of hybrid Cannabis species. In this study, the six major terpenes' potential in hybrid Cannabis species was evaluated as biomarkers to distinguish hybrid Cannabis species samples. This study contributes to a better understanding of the entourage effect of Cannabis-based botanical drugs.

Trends in drivers testing positive for drugs of abuse in oral fluid from 2018 to 2021 in France.

BACKGROUND: Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a risk factor for traffic accidents. The testing of oral fluid by roadside immunochromatography and laboratory-confirmed chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis to detect drug abuse has increased in France. The aim of this study was to describe the trends observed in drivers testing positive for illicit drugs in oral fluid and to investigate the concordance between the two analytical methods used. METHODS: We received for confirmation 3051 oral fluid samples from drivers who had tested positive at the roadside with a Drugwipe-5S® device between 2018 and 2021 around Grenoble, France. Samples were collected with FLOQSwab® and analyzed by LC-MS/MS (THC, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA and MDA, MDEA, cocaine and benzoylecgonine, morphine and 6-monoacetylmorphine) at Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, France. Binomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate consumption trends. RESULTS: Most of the drivers were men (93.2%), with a median age of 26 years (range: 14-66 years). Cannabis (94.6%) cocaine (17.5%) and MDMA (2.5%) were the drugs most frequently detected. Poly-drug use was observed in 17.3% of drivers and involved cannabis and cocaine in 85.3% of these drivers. Poly-drug use was more frequent among drivers over the age of 32 years (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.59-4.68; p ≤ .001), as was cocaine use (OR, 5.15; 95% CI, 3.75-7.08; p ≤ .001). The frequency of positive tests for amphetamines was higher in women than in men (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.50-4.27; p ≤ .001). The positive predictive value of Drugwipe-5S was 98.2% for cannabis, 22.6% for amphetamines, 75.4% for cocaine and 17.3% for opiates. At least one discrepancy between Drugwipe-5S® and LC-MS/MS results was observed for 22.3% of the samples tested. CONCLUSION: We report recent trends for drivers testing positive for illicit drugs in oral fluid in France. Cannabis was the most prevalent drug of abuse identified, suggesting that a general prevention program might be useful. Our results also highlight the need for LC-MS/MS confirmation when screening oral fluid for drugs of abuse.

Development of a quick preparation method for the analysis of 11-nor-9-carboxy-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol in human urine by phenylboronic-acid solid-phase extraction.

A rapid preparation method for the analysis of the urine from a cannabis user was established. Generally, 11-nor-9-carboxy-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH), which is one of the main metabolites of ∆9-tetrahydorocannabinol (THC), must be detected from a user's urine to verify cannabis use. However, existing preparation methods are usually multistep and time-consuming processes. Before the analysis by liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), deconjugation by treatment with ß-glucuronidase or alkaline solution, liquid-liquid extraction or solid-phase extraction (SPE), and evaporation are generally performed. In addition, subsequent derivatization (silylation or methylation) are certainly necessary for gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Here, we focused on the phenylboronic-acid (PBA) SPE, which selectively binds compounds with a cis-diol moiety. THC-COOH is metabolized as a glucuronide conjugate (THC-COOGlu) which has cis-diol moieties, therefore, we investigated the conditions of its retention and elution to reduce the operating time. We developed four elution conditions, which afford the following derivatives: acidic elution for THC-COOGlu, alkaline elution for THC-COOH, methanolysis elution for the THC-COOH methyl ester (THC-COOMe), and methanolysis elution and following methyl etherification for O-methyl-THC-COOMe (O-Me-THC-COOMe). All repeatability and recovery rates were evaluated by LC-MS/MS in this study. As a result, these four pathways required short times (within 10-25 min) and exhibited good repeatability and recovery rates. Detection limits of pathway I-IV were 10.8, 1.7, 18.9, and 13.8 ng mL-1, respectively. Lower limits of quantification were 62.5, 31.25, 57.3, and 62.5 ng mL-1, respectively. When proof of cannabis use is required, any elution condition can be selected to match the possessing reference standards and analytical instruments. To our knowledge, this is the first report of using PBA SPE for the preparation of the urine samples containing cannabis and achieving partial derivatization when eluting from a PBA carrier. Our method can provide a new and practical solution for the preparation of the urine samples from cannabis users. Although the PBA SPE method cannot recover THC-COOH in urine because of its lack of a 1,2-diol moiety, this method has technological advantages for simplifying the process and reducing the operating time, thereby avoiding human errors.

Preventing Mislabeling: A Comparative Chromatographic Analysis for Classifying Medical and Industrial Cannabis.

Gas chromatography (GC) techniques for analyzing and determining the cannabinoid profile in cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) are widely used in standard laboratories; however, these methods may mislabel the profile when used under rapid conditions. Our study aimed to highlight this problem and optimize GC column conditions and mass spectrometry (MS) parameters to accurately identify cannabinoids in both standards and forensic samples. The method was validated for linearity, selectivity, and precision. It was observed that when tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiolic acid (CBD-A) were examined using rapid GC conditions, the resulting derivatives generated identical retention times. Wider chromatographic conditions were applied. The linear range for each compound ranged from 0.02 µg/mL to 37.50 µg/mL. The R2 values ranged from 0.996 to 0.999. The LOQ values ranged from 0.33 µg/mL to 5.83 µg/mL, and the LOD values ranged from 0.11 µg/mL to 1.92 µg/mL. The precision values ranged from 0.20% to 8.10% RSD. In addition, forensic samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) in an interlaboratory comparison test, with higher CBD and THC content than GC-MS determination (p < 0.05) in samples. Overall, this study highlights the importance of optimizing GC techniques to avoid mislabeling cannabinoids in cannabis samples.

Simple Method for the Determination of THC and THC-COOH in Human Postmortem Blood Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

A simple and sensitive analytical method was developed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and its metabolite 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-carboxylic acid (Δ9-THC-COOH) in human postmortem blood using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The method involved a liquid-liquid extraction in two steps, one for Δ9-THC and a second one for Δ9-THC-COOH. The first extract was analyzed using Δ9-THC-D3 as internal standard. The second extract was derivatized and analyzed using Δ9-THC-COOH-D3 as internal standard. The method was shown to be very simple, rapid, and sensitive. The method was validated for the two compounds, including linearity (range 0.05-1.5 µg/mL for Δ9-THC and 0.08-1.5 µg/mL for Δ9-THC-COOH), and the main precision parameters. It was linear for both analytes, with quadratic regression of calibration curves always higher than 0.99. The coefficients of variation were less than 15%. Extraction recoveries were superior to 80% for both compounds. The developed method was used to analyze 41 real plasma samples obtained from the Forensic Toxicology Service of the Institute of Forensic Sciences of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) from cases in which the use of cannabis was involved, demonstrating the usefulness of the proposed method.

Identification of 11-nor-∆8-Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-Carboxylic Acid in Postmortem Urine.

Laws concerning the growing, selling and consuming of cannabis and its related products have been changing considerably over the last few years. The legalization of hemp in 2018 sparked an interest in ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) isomers and analogs that are derived from hemp and sold with minimal oversight. One example is ∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆8-THC). Although less potent than ∆9-THC, ∆8-THC is gaining popularity and can easily be found where cannabis-related products are sold. The Forensic Toxicology Laboratory at the University of Florida routinely tested decedents for 11-nor-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (∆9-THC-acid), the primary metabolite of ∆9-THC. Urine samples from ∼900 decedents were received by the laboratory between mid-November 2021 and mid-March 2022 and subjected to CEDIA™ immunoassay testing. Subsequent confirmation of 194 presumptive positive samples was performed by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry. A peak eluting immediately after ∆9-THC-acid was identified as 11-nor-∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (∆8-THC-acid), a metabolite of ∆8-THC, in 26 of those samples (13%). Six of the samples were positive for ∆8-THC-acid only. Other toxicological findings were consistent with poly-drug use including fentanyl/fentanyl analogs, ethanol, cocaine and methamphetamine. There has been an emergence of ∆8-THC use as indicated by the presence of ∆8-THC-acid in 26 of 194 presumptive positive cases during a four-month period. The majority of individuals were White males with a history of drug and/or alcohol use. ∆9-THC-acid, as well as other drugs, was often present. Given the psychoactive potential and availability of ∆8-THC, monitoring ∆8-THC-acid in decedents is important to characterize the risk and prevalence of ∆8-THC use.

Comparison of the Cannabinoid and Terpene Profiles in Commercial Cannabis from Natural and Artificial Cultivation.

Interest in cultivating cannabis for medical and recreational purposes is increasing due to a dramatic shift in cannabis legislation worldwide. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the composition of secondary metabolites, cannabinoids, and terpenes grown in different environmental conditions is of primary importance for the medical and recreational use of cannabis. We compared the terpene and cannabinoid profiles using gas/liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for commercial cannabis from genetically identical plants grown indoors using artificial light and artificially grown media or outdoors grown in living soil and natural sunlight. By analyzing the cannabinoids, we found significant variations in the metabolomic profile of cannabis for the different environments. Overall, for both cultivars, there were significantly greater oxidized and degraded cannabinoids in the indoor-grown samples. Moreover, the outdoor-grown samples had significantly more unusual cannabinoids, such as C4- and C6-THCA. There were also significant differences in the terpene profiles between indoor- and outdoor-grown cannabis. The outdoor samples had a greater preponderance of sesquiterpenes including ß-caryophyllene, α-humulene, α-bergamotene, α-guaiene, and germacrene B relative to the indoor samples.

Matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization-mass spectrometric imaging of psilocybin and its analogues in psychedelic mushrooms using a cesium chloride-coated target plate.

Fungi with hallucinogenic properties and neurotoxicity have been listed as prohibited drugs in recent years, but there is a lack of in situ quantification of psilocybin and analogues in these samples to avoid the decomposition of these psychoactive tryptamines in time-consuming sample preparation. In this study, matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization (MALDI)-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT ICR) mass spectrometric imaging (MSI) was used to analyze the distribution of psilocybin and its analogues in hallucinogenic Psilocybe mushrooms. A cesium chloride (CsCl)-coated target plate was prepared to improve the detection sensitivity and reduce the interference of other compounds or decomposition products with very similar m/z values in MALDI-FT ICR MS analysis. Psilocybin and other tryptamines with structurally similar compounds, including psilocin, baeocystin, tryptophan, tryptamine, and aeruginascin, were identified and imaged in the psilocybe tissue section; the semiquantitative analysis of the distribution of psilocybin was also investigated using a homemade 75-well CsCl-coated plate; and the target plate can be placed on the mass spectrometry target carrier along with the indium-tin oxide (ITO) conductive slide, which can simultaneously carry out matrix vapor deposition, thus ensuring the parallelism between the standards and samples in the pretreatment experiment and MSI. The contents of psilocybin and its analogues in the psilocybe tissue section can be evaluated from the color changes corresponding to different concentration standard curves. Furthermore, a comprehensive comparison between MALDI-FT ICR MS and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF MS) analysis was performed for quantification and validation. This study reduces the decomposition in time-consuming sample pretreatment and provides a powerful tool for drug abuse control and forensic analysis.

Recent challenges and trends in forensic analysis: Δ9-THC isomers pharmacology, toxicology and analysis.

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) isomers, especially Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), are increasing in foods, beverages, and e-cigarettes liquids. A major factor is passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act (AIA) that removed hemp containing less than 0.3 % Δ9-THC from the definition of "marijuana" or cannabis. CBD-rich hemp flooded the market resulting in excess product that could be subjected to CBD cyclization to produce Δ8-THC. This process utilizes strong acid and yields toxic byproducts that frequently are not removed prior to sale and are currently inadequately studied. Pharmacological activity is qualitatively similar for Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC, but most preclinical studies in mice, rats, and monkeys documented greater ∆9-THC potency. Both isomers caused graded dose-response effects on euphoria, blurred vision, mental confusion and lethargy, although Δ8-THC was at least 25 % less potent. The most common analytical methodologies providing baseline resolution of ∆8-THC and ∆9-THC in non-biological matrices are liquid-chromatography coupled to diode-array detection (LC-DAD or LC-PDA), while liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is preferred for biological matrices. Other available analytical methods are gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (QNMR). Current knowledge on the pharmacology of ∆8-THC and other ∆9-THC isomers are reviewed to raise awareness of the activity of these isomers in cannabis products, as well as analytical methods to discriminate ∆9-THC qualitatively, and quantitatively and ∆8-THC in biological and non-biological matrices.

Cannabinoid Content and Label Accuracy of Hemp-Derived Topical Products Available Online and at National Retail Stores.

Importance: Products containing cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) have proliferated since 2018, when the Agriculture Improvement Act removed hemp (ie, cannabis containing <0.3% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) from the US controlled substances list. Topical cannabinoid products can be purchased nationwide at retail stores and over the internet, yet research on these products is scarce. Objective: To evaluate the cannabinoid content (ie, CBD and THC) and label accuracy of topical cannabinoid products and to quantify their therapeutic and nontherapeutic claims. Design, Setting, and Participants: Product inclusion criteria included designation as hemp products, intended for topical or transdermal application, and purported to contain cannabinoids (eg, CBD). All unique products available at each retail store were purchased. Online products were identified via Google using relevant keywords (eg, hemp or CBD topical). Various products (eg, lotions and patches) were purchased from retail stores (eg, pharmacies, grocery stores, and cosmetic or beauty stores) in Baltimore, Maryland, and online. Data analysis was performed from March to June 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: Labeled and actual total amounts of CBD and THC, measured via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Therapeutic and nontherapeutic claims and references to the US Food and Drug Administration were quantified. Results: A total of 105 products were purchased, 45 from retail locations and 60 online. Of the 89 products that listed a total amount of CBD on the label, 18% (16 products) were overlabeled (ie, contained >10% less CBD than advertised), 58% (52 products) were underlabeled (ie, contained >10% more CBD than advertised), and 24% (21 products) were accurately labeled. The median (range) percentage deviation between the actual total amount of CBD and the labeled amount was 21% (-75% to 93%) for in-store products and 10% (-96% to 121%) for online products, indicating that products contained more CBD than advertised overall. THC was detected in 37 of 105 products (35%), although all contained less than 0.3% THC. Among the 37 THC-containing products, 4 (11%) were labeled as THC free, 14 (38%) indicated they contained less than 0.3% THC, and 19 (51%) did not reference THC on the label. Overall, 28% of products (29 products) made therapeutic claims, 14% (15 products) made cosmetic claims, and only 47% (49 products) noted that they were not Food and Drug Administration approved. Conclusions and Relevance: In a case series of topical cannabinoid products purchased online and at popular retail stores, products were often inaccurately labeled for CBD and many contained THC. These findings suggest that clinical studies are needed to determine whether topical cannabinoid products with THC can produce psychoactive effects or positive drug tests for cannabis.

Fast and highly sensitive determination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolites in hair using liquid chromatography-multistage mass spectrometry (LC-MS3 ).

In hair analysis, identification of 11-nor-9-carboxy-∆9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH), one of the major endogenously formed metabolites of the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is considered unambiguous proof of cannabis consumption. Due to the complex hair matrix and low target concentrations of THC-COOH in hair, this kind of investigation represents a great analytical challenge. The aim of this work was to establish a fast, simple, and reliable LC-MS3 routine method for sensitive detection of THC-COOH in hair samples. Furthermore, the LC-MS3 method developed also included the detection of derivatized 11-hydroxy-∆9 -THC (11-OH-THC) as an additional marker of cannabis use. Hair sample preparation prior to detection of the two THC metabolites was based on digestion of the hair matrix under alkaline conditions followed by an optimized liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) procedure. Sample preparation by LLE proved to be more suitable than solid-phase extraction (SPE) due to less laborious and time-consuming steps while still yielding satisfactory results. A significant improvement in analytical detection was introduced by multistage fragmentation (MS3 ), which led to enhanced sensitivity and selectivity and thus low limits of quantification (0.1 pg/mg hair). The MS3 method included two transitions for THC-COOH (m/z 343 → 299 → 245 and m/z 343 → 299 → 191) encompassing the quantifier (m/z 245) and the qualifier ion (m/z 191). The method was fully validated, and successful application to authentic toxicology case samples was demonstrated by the analysis of more than 2000 hair samples from cannabis users with THC-COOH concentrations determined ranging from 0.1 to >15 pg/mg hair.

GC-MS Identification and Quantification of the Synthetic Cannabinoid MDMB-4en- PINACA in Cannabis-derived Material Seized in the Turin Metropolitan Area (Italy).

BACKGROUND: The presence of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist MDMB-4en-PINACA in adulterated low-THC cannabis products was recently highlighted in several reports. Moreover, numerous intoxication cases involving MDMB-4en-PINACA have been described. OBJECTIVE: In order to monitor the diffusion of cannabis products containing MDMB-4en-PINACA in our territory, a total of 358 cannabis-derived samples (213 vegetal material and 145 resins) seized in the period November 2020 - February 2021 in the western Piedmont Area (Italy) was analyzed. METHODS: General screening analyses for traditional and synthetic cannabinoids were performed by a GC-MS device operating in full scan mode (40-600 amu). The MDMB-4en-PINACA was quantified by means of a specific GC-SIM-MS protocol purposely developed and validated, while the quantification of THC, CBD, and CBN was carried out by a GC-SIM-MS method routinely employed in our laboratory. RESULTS: MDMB-4en-PINACA was detected in 12 out of 358 samples (3.4% of the total). Among these, the molecule was found in 11 vegetal materials and in one resin sample. Considering solely the analysis of the 213 herb products, a positive rate of 5.2% was found for the presence of MDMB-4en-PINACA in these samples. MDMB-4en-PINACA was found in the seized materials at concentration levels ranging from 0.4 up to 6.3 mg/g (mean 2.5 mg/g; median 1.7 mg/g). Concerning the traditional cannabinoids, the THC concentration was in the interval 3-43 mg/g (mean 12 mg/g; median 7 mg/g), while CBD was found at higher concentrations in all specimens, specifically in the range 47-140 mg/g (mean 87 mg/g; median 80 mg/g). CONCLUSION: The adulteration of low-THC cannabis products with synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists is widespread today. Since these substances are potentially more toxic than THC, their consumption poses a high risk of overdose for unaware users and a health-threatening situation. This study confirmed the sporadic presence on the market of CBD-prevalent cannabis products adulterated with MDMB-4en-PINACA.

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for quantifying THC, CBD and their metabolites in hair. Application to patients treated with medical cannabis.

Recently, several countries approved the use of cannabis flowering tops with standardized amount of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) to treat several diseases. Therapeutic monitoring of medical cannabis products administered to patients for the established pathologies is rarely carried out. Previous few investigations have been developed in conventional matrices like blood and urine. This is the first study involving hair analysis of THC, CBD and their metabolites in patients treated with medical cannabis. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to quantify THC, CBD, and metabolites, i.e., 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH), 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) cannabidiol-7-oic acid (7-COOH-CBD), 7-hydroxycannabidiol (7-OH-CBD), 6-α-hydroxycannabidiol (6-α-OH-CBD) and 6-ß-hydroxycannabidiol (6-ß-OH-CBD) in hair samples was developed and fully validated. The validation results indicated that the method was accurate (average inter/intra-day error, <10%), precise (inter/intra-day imprecision, <10%), and fast (10 min run time). Average hair concentrations in four patients treated with different formulations of medical cannabis were 2.75 ng/mg THC, 2.87 ng/mg 11-OH-THC, and 0.32 ng/mg THC-COOH (n = 3); 1.65 ng/mg CBD, 2.73 ng/mg 7-OH-CBD, 1.29 ng/mg 7-COOH-CBD, 0.35 ng/mg 6-α-OH-CBD, and 0.03 ng/mg 6-ß-OH-CBD. The proposed method proved suitable for a fast and sensitive determination of all target compounds allowing high throughput testing in individuals monitored for medical cannabis treatments.

Genetic Survey of Psilocybe Natural Products.

Psilocybe magic mushrooms are best known for their main natural product, psilocybin, and its dephosphorylated congener, the psychedelic metabolite psilocin. Beyond tryptamines, the secondary metabolome of these fungi is poorly understood. The genomes of five species (P. azurescens, P. cubensis, P. cyanescens, P. mexicana, and P. serbica) were browsed to understand more profoundly common and species-specific metabolic capacities. The genomic analyses revealed a much greater and yet unexplored metabolic diversity than evident from parallel chemical analyses. P. cyanescens and P. mexicana were identified as aeruginascin producers. Lumichrome and verpacamide A were also detected as Psilocybe metabolites. The observations concerning the potential secondary metabolome of this fungal genus support pharmacological and toxicological efforts to find a rational basis for yet elusive phenomena, such as paralytic effects, attributed to consumption of some magic mushrooms.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine quantification via benchtop 1H qNMR spectroscopy: Method validation and its application to ecstasy tablets collected at music festivals.

We describe a method validation for the quantification of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in tablets based on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) guideline for quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysis (qNMR). qNMR experiments were carried out on a 60 MHz benchtop NMR spectrometer employing ethylene carbonate as an internal calibrant. A series of 'ecstasy' tablets seized at music events were quantified and the results discussed regarding their within-batch variation and yearly median dose. The method showed good specificity and selectivity, with linearity, precision, accuracy, and recovery well within the UNODC recommended criteria. The limit of detection and quantification are 0.33 mg/mL and 0.10 mg/mL respectively, proving the method works well on small amounts of MDMA. Overall, the lowest amount of MDMA free base detected in this study was 9.35 mg in a piperazine mix, while the highest dosed tablet contained 237.55 mg MDMA free base, with a 9.1% decrease in median amount compared to the pre-pandemic data (2019), but still higher than the data collected in a previous study (105 mg median amount of MDMA free base in 2018). The within-batch variation was insignificant for one of the seizures but showed greater variation for the other, which confirmed that the MDMA content of a single tablet may not reflect that of the whole batch. This dynamic upward change in tablet dosage highlights the importance of ongoing trend monitoring and specific prevention intervention to counteract the negative consequences associated with MDMA use. Benchtop NMR has been successfully employed in quality control, material science and more recently, drug analysis. The present study demonstrates its beneficial application in forensic science overcoming the limitations of currently available instruments and techniques employed in harm reduction and field testing.

Adulteration of low-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol products with synthetic cannabinoids: Results from drug checking services.

Since late 2019, low-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) preparations adulterated with synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have been frequently observed in Switzerland. The unawareness of users concerning the presence of SCs and the typically higher potency and toxicity of SCs, when compared with THC, can result in increased health risks. In Switzerland, low-THC (<1%) cannabis products, except hashish, are legal. These products can act as carrier materials for SCs. In this study, cannabis samples and user self-reports received through three drug checking services were collected and analysed, to gain deeper insight into this new phenomenon. Samples were collected from January 2020 to July 2021. Liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was used for the qualitative screening and semi-quantification of SCs, while gas chromatography with flame ionization detector was applied for the quantification of THC and cannabidiol levels. Reported adverse effects were compared between users who consumed adulterated (SC-group) and non-adulterated (THC-group) products. Of a total 94 samples, 50% contained up to three different SCs. MDMB-4en-PINACA was most often detected. All adulterated cannabis flowers contained ≤1% THC. Adulterated hashish also typically presented low THC-levels (median: 0.8%). The SC-group was associated with higher numbers of adverse events (p = 0.041). Furthermore, psychologic (p = 0.0007) and cardiologic (p = 0.020) adverse effects were more profound in the SC-group than in the THC-group. Drug checking services enabled the timely detection and monitoring of new and potentially dangerous trends. Furthermore, due to user-reports, additional valuable information was gained on adverse events associated with the consumption of novel SCs.