Figure 4


were dual positives for both synthetic cannabinoids and methamphetamine. And, only 1.7% were dual positives for both synthetic cannabinoids and benzodiazepines. The remainder of the dual positives, less than 1%, are other illegal drugs (e.g., heroin, PCP, and bath salts), or prescription medications. This data indicates that these individuals were nearly all single drug abusers of synthetic cannabinoids. Figure 4 demonstrates that 55% of


all positive samples would be missed if a higher cutoff (i.e. 10 ng/mL) were used in place of the lower CRL cutoffs. Specifically for compounds JWH-018, UR-144, and AB-FUBINACA, choosing a 10 ng/mL cutoff would have resulted in a loss of 60%, 57%, and 81%, of all positives, respectively. Establishing the proper cutoff relies on equipment, the analytical ability to identify the compound and selection of the proper metabolite. Consideration should also be given to the availability and ability of additional laboratories to reconfirm test results. Figure 5 reflects the positive rates


Figure 5


for synthetic cannabinoids from 2012 through 2015. The positive rate in 2012 was 5.3%. However since that time, the positive rate has stabilized around 2%. In 2015 the positive rate was 1.8% even with the federal scheduling of these compounds and eliminating these compounds from over the counter purchasing. These synthetic compounds have largely moved into illegal distribution and international Internet sales distribution.


Summary The data indicates all synthetic cannabinoid panels are not the same. Panel composition and cutoffs have a direct impact on the effectiveness of synthetic cannabinoid testing to identify abuse.


32 datia focus Spring 2016


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