GEN-MKT-18-7897-A
Nov 18, 2015 | Blogs, Forensic | 0 comments
Facts about Synthetic Cannabinoids and why you need to pay attention to evolving science
Mass spectrometry has proven an excellent tool for testing due to its flexibility to add new analytes as soon as new references become available. Even more compounds have been added to the DEA’s list of controlled substances.
Forensic screening methods for JWH-018 and JWH-073 and their metabolites (two of the main ingredients found in synthetic cannabinoids) using QTRAP technology have already been developed. In 2010, and this validated forensic screening method has been updated to detect JWH-081 and JWH-250 and their metabolites. This is important news when it comes to drug enforcement since the DEA initially announced they would be controlling five synthetic cannabinoids (JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47, and CP47-C8 homologue). Meanwhile, replacement compounds quickly emerged to include JWH- 081 and JWH-250.
You can read about the results in, “Detecting a New Wave of K2/Spice in Human Urine.” The main takeaways from the article are this:
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In drug discovery and development, Metabolite Identification (Met ID) plays a critical role in understanding biotransformation pathways, ensuring safety, and meeting regulatory requirements. Advanced mass spectrometry techniques have revolutionized this process, particularly through electron-based fragmentation methods such as Electron Activated Dissociation (EAD) and Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD). While both techniques leverage electron interactions to generate informative fragment ions, they differ significantly in mechanism, performance, and suitability for Met ID workflows.
In analytical laboratories, performance is not optional. Whether supporting regulated pharmaceutical workflows, high-throughput CRO operations, clinical reporting, or food and environmental testing, your mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis systems are critical to productivity, compliance, and scientific confidence.
Naturally occurring toxins are an unavoidable reality of today’s global food supply, and among them, alkaloids represent one of the most analytically challenging and safety‑critical compound classes. Produced by plants as natural defence mechanisms, alkaloids can unintentionally enter food through contamination, co‑harvesting, or adulteration, posing serious risks to consumer health and regulatory compliance.
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