Analysis of synthetic cannabinoid metabolites by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

The analysis of synthetic cannabinoid compounds in a urine sample is currently one of the more complex tasks facing toxicologists. The list of prevalent compounds in circulation at any given time is constantly in flux, changing at a rapid rate to avoid legal control and to a lesser extent to avoid detection. Even with knowledge of the chemical entities, their detection in urine is complicated by the fact that they are present exclusively as both phase I metabolites and phase II conjugates. With proper knowledge of the correct analytical targets, relatively simple procedures are capable of extracting and analyzing synthetic cannabinoids. Following enzymatic hydrolysis, compounds can be extracted through liquid partitioning procedures, and the extracts are analyzed via LC-MS/MS.