Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist (SCRA) Screen

General Information

THIS ASSAY IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE

PLEASE CALL THE DUTY TOXICOLOGIST TO DISCUSS IF REQUIRED (0121 424 1392)

Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (SCRAs), also known as synthetic cannabinoids or colloquially as spice, mamba or K2 are a group of drugs with some structural and functional similarity to the active ingredients in cannabis (e.g. THC and CBD). These synthetic cannabinoids are typically sprayed onto dried plant matter so they can be smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporised or inhaled in e-cigarettes or similar.

Effects of synthetic cannabinoid use are similar, but more pronounced, than cannabis with effects such as relaxation, euphoria, lethargy, confusion, anxiety, fear hallucinations, paranoia, tachycardia, nausea and vomiting reported.

Symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid overdose include cardiovascular toxicity (including sudden death), central nervous system and respiratory depression, seizures, convulsions, hyperemesis, psychosis and aggressive behaviour. These compounds are extensively used in certain populations (e.g. prisons, homeless)  and due to their physiochemical properties a specific screening method has been developed.

At UHB, SCRAs are screened for using solid phase extraction followed by high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-QTof MS).  Over 40 synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites are included. The scope of the analysis is being constantly updated to reflect changing trends in synthetic cannabinoid use amongst the population.

As of 1st of March 2020, the current screen includes, but is not limited, to the following drugs plus relevant metabolites:

5F-APICA (STS-135), 5F-APINACA (5F-AKB-48), 5F-CUMYL-PINACA, 5F-MDMB-PINACA (5F-ADB), 5F-PB-22 (5F-QUPIC), AB-CHMNACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, ADB-PINACA, AM-2201, APICA, APINACA (AKB-48), BB-22 (QUCHIC), JWH-018 (AM-678), JWH-122, JWH-73, MAM-2201, MDMB-CHMICA, MDMB-CHMINACA, PB-22 (QUPIC), THJ-018, THJ-2201, UR-144, XLR-11, 5F-MDMB-PICA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA & MDMB-4en-PINACA*  

*Current drugs in circulation are given in bold

Should you have any questions regarding a Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist (SCRA) Screen - please contact the laboratory on 0121 424 3707.