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Background Synthetic cannabinoids were introduced into the United States in approximately 2009 as an alternative to plant marijuana as they were not U.S. Drug Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Drug Enforce- ment Administration (DEA) regulated. Tese synthetic derivatives of delta-9-tetra- hydrocannabinol (THC) have been mass produced primarily in China and distrib- uted throughout Europe and the United States. Tese compounds are available as liquids, mixed with an organic solvent such as acetone, and sprayed onto incense or herbal mixtures for smoking. Te pure liquids are now reported to be smoked in e-cigaretes while crystalline versions are being placed on aluminum foil and heated by a cigarete lighter to inhale the fumes from the vaporizing chemicals to create an intense high. Te early products were packaged in
foil packets or mini zip baggies for sale in convenience stores, truck stops, and gas stations for $30–50 per packet and labeled with “Not for Human Consumption” to avoid regulation from the DEA and FDA. Te “Father of Synthetic Cannabinoids” is Dr. John W. Huffman, a university professor whose research work was to find
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alternatives to marijuana to treat medical conditions (e.g., treatment of pain, glauco- ma, epilepsy, and nausea) in place of plant marijuana. Dr. Huffman, other university scientists, and pharmaceutical scientists made hundreds of similar compounds to mimic marijuana actions and published their results. None of these products made it to the medical markets for treatment of diseases or medical conditions. Te naming of the early compounds was assigned to the inventor or company. Dr. Huffman’s compounds were all listed as JWH with a number following his initials indicat- ing the specific compound created. Other examples were AM (Alexandros Makri- yannis at Northeastern University), HU (Hebrew University), and RCS (Research Chemical Supply) with numbers following the initials of the scientists who created the compound. Te new nomenclatures are far different with association with the chemical structure such as AB-PINACA, UR-144, or PB-22. Some of these newer compounds can be found for sale on the Internet cost- ing of hundreds of dollars per kilogram and available for international shipment. Tere now appears to be approximately 10 differ- ent basic categories or structures available in the market.
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