Synthetic Cannabinoid Identification in Cases Associated with Blue Lotus and Valerian Root.

Synthetic cannabinoids emerged in the early 21st century and have continued to evolve and flourish to present day. Like other novel psychoactive substances (NPS), synthetic cannabinoids have been sold under the guise of legitimate products. Some examples include "potpourri," "incense," and herbal material. Between May 2020 and December 2023, Drug Chemistry Lab (Chem Lab) received 29 seized drug cases mentioning "blue lotus" or "valerian root." In 90% of these cases, at least one exhibit contained one or more synthetic cannabinoids. During the same timeframe, Toxicology Lab (Tox Lab) received 65 toxicology cases that contained synthetic cannabinoids and/or their corresponding hydrolyzed metabolites where case history mentioned "blue lotus." The most frequently observed compounds between laboratories were 5F-MDMB-PICA, ADB-BUTINACA, and MDMB-4en-PINACA. Innocuous branding and marketing may deceive law enforcement, investigators, and healthcare providers into believing that the adverse effects of erratic behavior, sedation, slurred speech, and hallucinations are a result of toxicity from botanical extracts (e.g., apomorphine and nuciferine in blue lotus). Due to the dangerous nature of these NPS, it is recommended that synthetic cannabinoid screening is performed on all cases where there is suspected use of vaping products suggested to contain "blue lotus" or "valerian root" as drug vendors continue to conceal the presence of these compounds.

Further evidence of in vitro production of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in urine samples.

This study was designed to supplement previous studies that documented in vitro production of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in urine samples. Urine samples were provided by subjects who reported that they had never used GHB (n=31). The specimens were stored under standard conditions of refrigeration (5 degrees C) without any preservatives added. All specimens were repeatedly analyzed for the presence of endogenous GHB over a 6-month period using a previously reported headspace GC-MS method. Significant elevations in GHB were observed in many of the urine samples as storage time increased. As a result, the in vitro production of GHB may increase the apparent GHB concentrations in urine during storage. This potential for an artificial increase in GHB concentration must be appreciated when establishing the threshold between endogenous and exogenous concentrations of GHB.

A comprehensive study on the variations in urinary concentrations of endogenous gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).

This study was designed to supplement previous attempts to establish an accurate range of normal endogenous gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) concentrations in random antemortem urine samples. Furthermore, its purpose was to ascertain the effect of gender, race, age, medications, and select medical conditions on endogenous concentrations of GHB in urine and the proposed endogenous urinary GHB cutoff of 10 microg/mL. Urine samples (n = 207) were provided by subjects who reported that they had never used GHB. As part of the collection process, subjects also completed a short survey to collect information about gender, race, age, orally ingested medications, and select medical conditions. All specimens were analyzed in duplicate for the presence of endogenous GHB using a previously reported headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method. The data were analyzed for tendencies among different population groups. GHB concentrations ranged from 0.00 to 2.70 microg/mL in all specimens, with a median concentration of 0.24 microg/mL. Males (n = 130) had an average endogenous GHB concentration of 0.27 microg/mL (0.00-2.70 microg/mL), whereas females (n = 77) averaged 0.29 microg/mL (0.00-0.98 microg/mL). Select medical conditions and participants' race, age ranges, and medications that were used within 48 h prior to collection were also evaluated. We believe this to be the most comprehensive study on endogenous GHB concentrations in urine to date. The results of this study will aid the interpretation of low GHB concentrations measured in urine samples, particularly in investigations of drug-facilitated crimes.