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1. Spice, K2 and Other Synthetic Cannabinoids
2. Herbal Incense Sold in head shops or online
as an incense product
Herbs and botanicals
treated with synthetic
cannabinoid chemicals
Many varieties/scents
Labeled Not for Human
Consumption
3. Herbal Incense Variety of Products Available
Spice, K2, Smoke, Yucatan Fire, Hush, Genie
4. Single Use or Bulk Product Sold Loose or in joint form $10-15 gram
$10-15 gram
5. Aromatic Herbs Canavalia maritima, Nymphaea caerulea, Scutellaria nana, Pedicularis densiflora, Leonotis leonurus, Zornia latifolia, Nelumbo nucifera , Leonurus sibiricus
many more. Bay Bean, Blue Egyptian Water Lily, Dwarf Skullcap, Indian Warrior, Lions Tail, Indian Lotus, Honeyweed or Motherwort, Marshmallow, Rosehip Bay Bean, Blue Egyptian Water Lily, Dwarf Skullcap, Indian Warrior, Lions Tail, Indian Lotus, Honeyweed or Motherwort, Marshmallow, Rosehip
6. Herbal Effects Most of the herbal components have very little psychoactive effects, although some traditional herbalists may disagree. At most, they:
Add color and flavor
May have mild relaxing properties
Decrease blood pressure
Reduce inflammation
Induce mild euphoria
Marketed the herbal components as the cause of psychoactive properties. They do not mention the REAL cause
Marketed the herbal components as the cause of psychoactive properties. They do not mention the REAL cause
7. Drug Discovery Intense psychoactive properties were being reported, but with little verification.
In late 2008, forensic analyses conducted in Europe identified JWH-018 as a psychoactive ingredient in many of these products.
JWH-018: synthetic cannabinoid synthesized in 1995 for experimental purposes.
Austria / Germany forensic labs (e.g. THCPharm) conducted Forensic testsAustria / Germany forensic labs (e.g. THCPharm) conducted Forensic tests
8. Laced product Spice-like herbal incense products are laced with
potent, potentially life-threatening Synthetic
Cannabinoids.
User provided with no real knowledge as to what is
in the product he/she is smoking.
Synthetic ingredients are ever-changing to stay
one step ahead of the law.
Austria / Germany forensic labs (e.g. THCPharm) conducted Forensic testsAustria / Germany forensic labs (e.g. THCPharm) conducted Forensic tests
9. Prevalence Very popular amongst individuals who are in
substance abuse program that requires drug testing
40-60% positive rate in both adult and juvenile
populations. As high as >90% in juvenile drug
court populations oberved.
Target individuals who are reported to exhibit
marijuana-like symptoms and behavior, but who
fail to test positive for THC.
Austria / Germany forensic labs (e.g. THCPharm) conducted Forensic testsAustria / Germany forensic labs (e.g. THCPharm) conducted Forensic tests
10. Cannabis Overview Used for more than 4000 years for euphoric and therapeutic effects
Most commonly abused drug in the world.
Roughly 4% of the world's adult population (162 million people) use cannabis annually, and about 0.6% (22.5 million) use it on a daily basis
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
11. Cannabis Contains:
>450 chemicals
>60-90 different cannabinoids
D9-Tetrathydrocannabinol (THC)
Main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
12. Cannabis THC content in marijuana varies typically 2-5% in cannabis, but much higher has been found
Marijuana users may experience stimulant, depressant, and/or hallucinogenic properties
Most commonly used for hallucinogenic effects
Most individuals self-titrate their THC intake
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
13. Cannabis Most common Medicinal Uses:
Relief from nausea and vomiting
Stimulation of hunger
General analgesic effects (pain reliever)
Lowered intraocular eye pressure THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
14. What are Cannabinoids? Class of chemicals that have similar structure and/or activity that mimic:
Phytocannabinoids (found in cannabis plants)
Natural, herbal, classical
Endocannabinoids
(found in CNS and immune systems of animals)
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
15. Cannabinoid Functions What are the Endocannabinoid functions?
Signaling molecules (Lipid messengers) that are released from cells to bind to nearby cell receptors.
Signaling is retrograde (reverse direction postsynatic to presynaptic neurons)
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
16. Cannabinoid Receptors At least two subtypes of Cannabinoid Receptors:
CB1 Receptor
Found throughout the peripheral and CNS systems
CB2 Receptor
Found throughout the peripheral nervous system and associated with the immune system
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
17. At least two subtypes of Cannabinoid Receptors:
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
19. Synthetic Cannabinoids Four Groups of Synthetic Cannabinoids:
THC Analogue (classical)
Non-classical Cyclohexylphenyl (CP) series
Aminoalkylindoles (JWH compounds)
Other Fatty Acid Amides
All four types found in Spice products
Fat-souble, non-polar, small molecules
Volatile (smokable)
Many times more potent than THC
Dose may be less than 1 mgAll four types found in Spice products
Fat-souble, non-polar, small molecules
Volatile (smokable)
Many times more potent than THC
Dose may be less than 1 mg
20. Synthetic Cannabinoid Agonists Most are full CB1 & CB2 receptor agonists
Originally investigated for medicinal purposes:
Analgesics
Weight management
Control of Nausea
Smoking cessation
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
THC is a partial dopamine, serotonin, GABA agonist (CB1)
EX: GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid induces relaxation and sleep, inhibits over-excitation and anxiety, epilepsy.
Contributes to motor control and vision, memory, mood, sleep
Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Analgesics
Full agonists (not Partial) far more intense. Anxiety, agitation, seizures, convulsions (panic attacks)
May be involved in the development of Osteoporosis, Liver Disease, Cancer
21. Cannabinoid Agonists THC AnaloguesHU-210, HU-211, HU-243,
HU-308, HU-320, HU-331,
HU-336, HU-345
Raphael Mechoulam
Hebrew University
HU Professor Raphael Mechoulam at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Famous for d9-THC isolation and synthesis
Some compounds are 100-800x more potent than THC, longer duration -HU Professor Raphael Mechoulam at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Famous for d9-THC isolation and synthesis
Some compounds are 100-800x more potent than THC, longer duration -
22. Cannabinoid Agonists Cyclohexylphenyl (CP) SeriesPfizer Pharmaceutical
CP 47,497, CP 55,940,
CP 47,497 (C8),
CP 50,556-1, CP 55,244
CP Cyclohexylphenols - Pfizer analgesic - 5-45x more potent than THC
CP Cyclohexylphenols - Pfizer analgesic - 5-45x more potent than THC
23. Cannabinoid Agonists AminoalylindolesOver 470 analogues
JWH-015, JWH-018, JWH-019,
JWH-073, JWH-081, JWH-122,
JWH-133, JWH-147, JWH-171,
JWH-210, JWH-250, JWH-398
John W.Huffman
Clemson University JWH John W. Huffman (Clemson University) NIDA research of more than 470 analoguesJWH John W. Huffman (Clemson University) NIDA research of more than 470 analogues
26. Inhibition of GABA neurotransmitter probable cause of convulsions and seizuresInhibition of GABA neurotransmitter probable cause of convulsions and seizures
28. JWH-018 Full CB1 Agonist - 3X affinity for CB2 than THC
JWH-073 Full CB1 Agonist - 5X affinity for CB2 than THC
JWH-200 3X affinity for CB1 than THC (less sedative) - Analgesic
JWH-018 Full CB1 Agonist - 3X affinity for CB2 than THC
JWH-073 Full CB1 Agonist - 5X affinity for CB2 than THC
JWH-200 3X affinity for CB1 than THC (less sedative) - Analgesic
29. Detection Synthetic cannabinoids are not detected by traditional drug screening tests
Detection period roughly 24-72 hours in urine
Only metabolites are detected in urine
Typically JWH metabolites analyzed due to availability of standards
Approximately 12-48 hours in blood and oral fluid
Parent drug detected
Advanced testing methodology utilized
Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
30. Analysis by LC/MS/MS
32. HU-210 8X THC potent analgesic
JWH-133 selective for CB2 receptor 200X THC devoid of psychoactive properties.
All three prevents inflammation caused by amyloid proteins (plaques that build up in brain of Alzheimers patients)
Rimonabant
Rimonabant (SR141716) antiobesity drug antagonist of CB1 receptor
Selectivity of CB1 provided tool for examining endocannabinoid system and behavioral and physiological effects of THC. Possible use to mediate CB1 cannabinoidpharmacodynamics by blockade of cannabinoid agonists
Decrease in heart rate (BPM)reduced cannabis effects of 40-75% in single dose or multiple small dosingNo significant cannabis withdrawlNo clinical adverse effectsNIDA interested in pharacotherapy usage
Assisted in smoking cessation therepyAddiction reduced cocaine-seeking responses by 2 of 3 most common triggers in relapse (priming and cues)Possible reduction of ethanol and opiate-seeking behaviorHypothetically could improve short-term memory (demonstrated in rats)Blocks psychoactive and cardiovascular effects of D9-Tetrathydrocannabinol (THC) without affecting the pharmocokinetics
HU-210 8X THC potent analgesic
JWH-133 selective for CB2 receptor 200X THC devoid of psychoactive properties.
All three prevents inflammation caused by amyloid proteins (plaques that build up in brain of Alzheimers patients)
Rimonabant
Rimonabant (SR141716) antiobesity drug antagonist of CB1 receptor
Selectivity of CB1 provided tool for examining endocannabinoid system and behavioral and physiological effects of THC. Possible use to mediate CB1 cannabinoidpharmacodynamics by blockade of cannabinoid agonists
Decrease in heart rate (BPM)reduced cannabis effects of 40-75% in single dose or multiple small dosingNo significant cannabis withdrawlNo clinical adverse effectsNIDA interested in pharacotherapy usage
Assisted in smoking cessation therepyAddiction reduced cocaine-seeking responses by 2 of 3 most common triggers in relapse (priming and cues)Possible reduction of ethanol and opiate-seeking behaviorHypothetically could improve short-term memory (demonstrated in rats)Blocks psychoactive and cardiovascular effects of D9-Tetrathydrocannabinol (THC) without affecting the pharmocokinetics
35. Bath Salts and Other Stimulants
36. Bath Salts Sold in head shops,
gas stations and online
Psychoactive / Dissociative
Illegal in many states
Highly addictive and dangerous
Snorted, but can be smoked, taken orally or injected
37. Bath Salts 4MMC, Meow-meow, MC, MTV,
M-CAT, Bounce, Plant Food
$30-90 / gram - talc-like
Usually made in China / Asia
Pixie Dust, Ivory Wave, Ocean,
Charge Plus, White Lightning,
White Girl, Scarface, Hurricane
Charlie, Vanilla Sky, Bonzai,
Grow, Blue Silk, Lovey Dovey
38. Bath Salt Effects Effects last 2 - 4 hours
Feelings of euphoria - Increased alertness
Dilated pupils
Slurred speech, Inability to stop talking
Increased heart rate
Both decreased and/or increased sexual function/desire
39. Negative Effects Physical:
CNS stimulant
Increase BP and heart rate
Chest pain, heart attack, stroke
Infertility
Psychological:
Delusions, paranoia, psychosis
Personality disorders
Depression when not using as long as several weeks
After effects such as tachycardia, hypertension, and mild
stimulation lasting from 6 - 8 hours
40. Chemical Composition Mephedrone - 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC)
AKA: Meph, drone, MCAT
Originally developed in 1929 - recently rediscovered
Analogue to other controlled substances
Sold as plant food or bath salts not for human consumption
41. Chemical Composition MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone)
AKA: MDPK, Magic, Super Coke, MTV and PV
Originally developed in the 60s for chronic fatigue and
appetite suppression.
Abuse and dependence a problem with a compulsive desire to continuously re-dose
Similar in structure to MDMA, but more of a stimulant
Only has mild empathogenic or entactogenic properties Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
42. High Addiction Potential Abuse and dependence a problem with a compulsive desire to continuously re-dose
Some are constantly chase that first high
Mephedrone reduces to 4-methylephedrine - a known Cardiotoxic compound
Crushing chest pain common redosing the cause?
43. Other Stimulants Cathinone
Found in the shrub Catha edulis (Khat)
Part of the Middle East culture
Stimulant typically extracted from chewing fresh leaves
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
44. Other Stimulants Methcathinone
First synthesized in 1928
It was used in the Soviet Union during the 1930s and 1940s as an anti-depressant.
Since the 1960s, methcathinone has been used as a recreational drug in the (former) Soviet Union.
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
46. Detection Most compounds are not detected by drug screening tests
Detection period roughly 24-72 hours in urine
Analyte-specific methodologies are used
Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GCMS)
Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Specialized Stimulants Panel should include:
Amphetamine / Methamphetamine
MDA / MDMA
Cathinone / Methcathinone
Mephedrone / MDPV
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
47. Kratom Mitragynine
Krypton
Sold for $5/gram in bulk
Powder, dry leaf, and resin forms
Bomb ingestion
Consume powder wrapped in tissue
Dose 0.5-1.5 grams
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
48. Kratom Mitragynine
Leaves of Kratom (mitragyna speciosa) medicinal plant from Southwest Asia, a mu-receptor agonist
Binds to mu-opiate receptors responsible for the enjoyable effects of the opiates, analgesia, and physical dependence.
Low dose stimulant effect; High dose opioid-like sedative effect
2-3 hours numbing effects / 6-8 hours stimulant effect as the experience wears off
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
49. Kratom Mitragynine Risks
High risk for accidental overdose
Brain and lung edema, congestion of inner organs
In reported deaths, other psychotropic drugs were found
(Benzodiazepines, Effexor, Prozac)
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink
Standard, Premium, Ultra, Summit, Blueberry, Citron, Strawberry, Apple Baked, Pineapple (Express), Kush, Blonde, Sex, Honey, Thai Dream, Orisha, Blue, Pink