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Salomone A, Vincenti M. Detecting novel psychoactive substances around the world. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024; 37:258-263. [PMID: 38818825 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The worldwide spread of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the illicit drug market and their continuous increase in number and type, for the purpose of bypassing controlled substance legislation, represents a continuing challenge for forensic scientists, clinicians and enforcement authorities. We aim to provide information regarding the most urgent harms related to NPS consumption in different world regions and the current state of the art for NPS analysis. RECENT FINDINGS Unfortunately, the identification of NPS in biological samples is controversial, especially when samples are limited, or the drug is promptly and extensively metabolized. This causes a lack of information on their real diffusion in different parts of the world and in different populations. New technologies and instrumental detection of NPS in alternative samples are offering comprehensive information about NPS use. SUMMARY The lack of detection and underreporting of NPS in biological samples makes it difficult to obtain complete qualitative and quantitative information about NPS prevalence. The most innovative strategies that have been proposed in the last 2 years to assist NPS analysis and possibly facilitate the understanding of the NPS diffusion around the world are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Salomone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin
- Centro Regionale Antidoping, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Vincenti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin
- Centro Regionale Antidoping, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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Kutzler J, Polettini AE, Bleicher S, Sauer C, Schultis W, Neukamm MA, Auwärter V. Synthetic cannabinoids in hair-Prevalence of use in abstinence control programs for driver's license regranting in Germany. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:518-531. [PMID: 37731292 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Although the use, structural variety, and prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have steadily increased on the drug market, they are rarely analyzed in abstinence control programs for driver's license regranting. The aim of this study was to determine the SC prevalence in these programs by analyzing hair samples collected between March 2020 and March 2021 from various regions in Germany, mainly Bavaria (40%). Specimens were analyzed quantitatively for drugs of abuse and qualitatively for 107 SCs. Hair samples were screened by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and to search for unknown SC analogs, positive samples were additionally screened by liquid chromatography-high resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-qTOF/MS). The analysis of 5097 hair samples resulted in 181 SC detections (3.6%), showing a wide range of 44 SCs, with up to 13 different compounds found in a single sample. The most prevalent compounds were 5F-MDMB-PICA and MDMB-4en-PINACA; furthermore, 10 new substances not initially covered by LC-MS/MS analysis were detected by LC-qTOF/MS. The SC positivity rate was comparable to cocaine (5.4%) and amphetamine (2.6%). Only in 35 cases (0.7%), SC analysis was requested by the clients, highlighting the insufficient coverage of SC consumption in the studied collective. In summary, hair sample analysis proved to be a valuable tool to monitor the use of SCs. In order to keep pace with newly emerging SC analogs, an up-to-date analytical method is essential. Prospectively, SCs should be more routinely screened in hair analysis for abstinence control to avoid cannabis substitution by SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kutzler
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Postgraduate Course for Toxicology and Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Legal Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aldo Eliano Polettini
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
- Department of Diagnostics & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sergej Bleicher
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Christoph Sauer
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schultis
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Merja A Neukamm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Barré T, Lahaie E, Di Beo V, Carrieri P, Andler R, Nguyen-Thanh V, Beck F. Cannabidiol use in France in 2022: Results from a nationwide representative sample of adults. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024. [PMID: 38561958 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabis compound found in diverse commercial products worldwide. However, its use may not be fully harmless. Accordingly, it is important to document the prevalence of CBD use and user characteristics in the general population. METHODS We conducted a nationwide survey from a random sample of adults living in France using computer-assisted telephone interviews between 2 March and 9 July 2022. We estimated the prevalence of CBD awareness and CBD use, and explored the different routes of administration. We also performed logistic regression models to identify factors associated with past-year CBD use. RESULTS Based on data from 3229 participants, we estimated that 71.0% (95% confidence interval) (69.0-73.0) of the French adult population had heard of CBD, and 10.1% (8.7-11.4) had used it in the previous year. Past-year CBD use was associated with younger age, a higher educational level, not living in a middle-sized urban unit, tobacco consumption and e-cigarette use. The most common route of administration was smoking (56.1%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Past-year CBD use prevalence in France appeared to be as high as that for cannabis. Proper prevention, regulation and control of CBD products is necessary to ensure that people have access to safe and high-quality products. Reliable information on CBD should be sought and disseminated, especially regarding the harms associated with smoking the compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tangui Barré
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Vincent Di Beo
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Patrizia Carrieri
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - François Beck
- Santé Publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
- Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Populations, Inserm U1018, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin, Villejuif, France
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Palamar JJ, Massano M, Salomone A. Five cases of unintentional exposure to BZO-4en-POXIZID among nightclub attendees in New York City. J Anal Toxicol 2024; 48:75-80. [PMID: 37952092 PMCID: PMC10981447 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A new class of synthetic cannabinoids called OXIZIDs has emerged in recent years. This class consists of compounds with oxindole cores and hydrazide/hydrazone linker moieties and has often been described as being designed to circumvent a Chinese class-wide ban that was effective as of 1 July 2021. However, through hair testing of nightclub attendees in New York City-a high-risk population for recreational drug use-we have evidence suggesting exposures to an OXIZID called BZO-4en-POXIZID (4en-pentyl MDA-19) prior to the effective ban. Through analysis of 6 cm segmented hair samples from attendees collected in 2021, we detected five cases of exposure. Specifically, we detected a cluster of three cases based on hair samples collected on 20 June 2021, and then two additional cases from samples collected on 16 July 2021. Four of these hair samples were long enough to analyze two 6 cm hair segments (representing approximately two 6-month timeframes) and three of four of these cases tested positive for repeated exposure (for an estimated exposure over 6 months prior to hair collection). All cases included young adult females reporting past-year cannabis use but all tested negative for tetrahydrocannabinol exposure. Three cases also reported past-year use of cocaine, ecstasy, and/or ketamine, and four cases tested positive for exposure to cocaine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), methamphetamine and/or eutylone. These subjects were exposed to BZO-4en-POXIZID-likely as an adulterant in other drugs, and these cases are among the first documented cases which occurred approximately half a year before the Chinese legislative ban.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Palamar
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, Room 1752, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Marta Massano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, via Giuria 5, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Alberto Salomone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, via Giuria 5, Turin 10125, Italy
- Centro Regionale Antidoping, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano (TO) 10043, Italy
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Simon G, Kuzma M, Mayer M, Petrus K, Tóth D. Fatal Overdose with the Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists MDMB-4en-PINACA and 4F-ABUTINACA: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. TOXICS 2023; 11:673. [PMID: 37624178 PMCID: PMC10458319 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
A case of a 26-year-old male who died from consuming synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists MDMB-4en-PINACA and 4F-ABUTINACA is reported. MDMB-4en-PINACA and 4F-ABUTINACA are potent synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs). This is the first detailed reporting of MDMB-4-en-PINACA and 4F-ABUTINACA associated fatality, which can help the routine forensic work. The scientific literature on the symptoms associated with these substances are evaluated, along with the pharmacological properties and possible mechanism of death. A forensic autopsy was performed according to Recommendation No. R (99)3 of the Council of Europe on medico-legal autopsies. Histological samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). Complement component C9 immunohistochemistry was applied to all heart samples. Toxicological analyses were carried out by supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (SFC-MS/MS) and headspace gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (HS-GC-FID). The literature was reviewed to identify reported cases of MDMB-4en-PINACA and 4F-ABUTINACA use. Autopsy findings included brain edema, internal congestion, petechial bleeding, pleural ecchymoses, and blood fluidity. Toxicological analyses determined 7.2 ng/mL of MDMB-4en-PINACA and 9.1 ng/mL of 4F-ABUTINACA in the peripheral blood. MDMB-4en-PINACA and 4F-ABUTINACA are strong, potentially lethal SCRA, and their exact effects and outcome are unpredictable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Simon
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti str. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.P.); (D.T.)
| | - Mónika Kuzma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti str. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.P.); (D.T.)
| | - Mátyás Mayer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti str. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.P.); (D.T.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti str. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Karola Petrus
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti str. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.P.); (D.T.)
| | - Dénes Tóth
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti str. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.P.); (D.T.)
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Abdelmoneim WM, Bakr MH, Ghandour NM, Mohammed MK, Fawzy M, Ramadan AG, Abdellah NZ. Cytotoxicity associated with acute and chronic administration of synthetic cannabinoids “Strox” in the brain, liver, heart, and testes of male albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-023-00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances that invaded Egypt’s drug abuse market over the past few years.
Aim
Randomized controlled trial study to demonstrate the effects of acute and chronic toxicity by synthetic cannabinoid (Strox) on the brain, liver, heart, and testes in adult male albino rats through histopathological examination by light microscope and immunohistochemistry.
Methods
Total number of fifty male albino rats were divided into five different groups, two control and three treated groups. Negative and positive control groups received distilled water and dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively, acute group received LD50 (lethal dose 50) once and observed for 14 days, chronic group received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months, and finally chronic withdrawal groups received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months and then left 2 weeks without the substance to observe the withdrawal manifestations.
Results
The current study revealed various histopathological changes in all organs with increased expression of cannabinoid receptor 1. The most important findings observed by light microscope examination were shrinkage and degenerative changes in Purkinje cells in brain sections, abnormalities in blood sinusoids and architecture in liver section, disruption in cardiac muscle fiber in heart sections, and finally testes showed irregularities in seminiferous tubules and germinal cells. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 in the brain, liver, and heart showed weak-positive reaction in acute group and a strong reaction with chronic groups. Additionally, increase in collagen fiber was observed in sections of the liver and heart of chronic group.
Conclusions
Synthetic cannabinoid sample (Strox) toxicity caused adverse effects on the brain, liver, heart, and testes as shown by increasing cannabinoid receptor 1 and caspase-3 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Love
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
| | - Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA,70113th Street, N.W., Suite 750, Washington, DC, 20005-3967, USA,Corresponding author. RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA.
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Casanova C, Ramier C, Fortin D, Carrieri P, Mancini J, Barré T. Cannabidiol use and perceptions in France: a national survey. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1628. [PMID: 36038869 PMCID: PMC9421113 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabidiol (CBD), a safe, non-intoxicating cannabis component, is growing in popularity in Europe and worldwide. However, CBD EU regulation is blurry, and consequent labelling and product quality issues may have implications for public health. There is therefore a need to assess the prevalence and perceived harmfulness of CBD use in EU countries, as well as to characterise CBD users. We aimed to do so in the French population. Methods In December 2021, an online survey was conducted in a sample respecting the French adult population structure for key demographic variables. Sociodemographic, behavioural and CBD perception data were collected. Three separate regressions were performed to identify correlates of i) having heard of CBD, ii) using CBD, iii) perceived harmfulness of CBD. A hierarchical classification was also performed to identify profiles of CBD users. Results The study sample comprised 1969 adults, of whom 69.2% had heard of CBD and 10.1% used it. Less than half (46.8%) of the former considered it harmful. Having heard of CBD was associated with younger age, being born in France, tobacco use, and cannabis use. CBD use was associated with younger age, tobacco use, cannabis use, poor self-reported general health status, and positive perception of alternative medicines. Cluster analysis revealed four different CBD user profiles based on socio-demographics and behavioural characteristics. Conclusion Ten percent of the adults in this French study used CBD, and several user profiles emerged. Our results indirectly advocate clearer European CBD regulations to ensure safe and high-quality products. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14057-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Casanova
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Clémence Ramier
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Davide Fortin
- Sorbonne Economics Centre, University, Paris 1 Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Patrizia Carrieri
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.
| | - Julien Mancini
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.,Public Health Department, APHM, BIOSTIC, Marseille, France
| | - Tangui Barré
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
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Barré T, Ramier C, Protopopescu C, Carrieri P, Radoszycki L. Symptom improvements following therapeutic use of cannabis-based products in French people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 67:104093. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pulver B, Fischmann S, Westphal F, Schönberger T, Schäper J, Budach D, Jacobsen-Bauer A, Dreiseitel W, Zagermann J, Damm A, Knecht S, Opatz T, Auwärter V, Pütz M. The ADEBAR project - European and international provision of analytical data from structure elucidation and analytical characterization of NPS. Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1491-1502. [PMID: 35524160 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Novel substances for which none or limited analytical data are available constitute a challenge for police and customs forensic laboratories. The time-consuming process of structural elucidation and acquisition of analytical data has been centralized in the ADEBAR project in Germany, co-funded since 2017 by the EU's Internal Security Fund. The project aims to comprehensively characterize substances relevant for forensic-toxicological casework within the analytical competence network. The analytical datasets are distributed digitally through European and (inter-) national channels. Additionally, pharmacological evaluation allows for estimating in vivo potency and potential harm required as scientific evidence for legislative amendments. The ADEBAR project contributes to the availability of analytical data on new substances relevant to the daily work of police and customs laboratories. Since the inception of the ADEBAR project, 549 samples have been registered, and 302 substance reports notified to the EMCDDA, including numerous spectrometric and spectroscopic data. In addition, 3619 mass spectra have been accumulated in ADEBAR mass spectra databases. A central institution for the structure elucidation and acquisition of valid, high-quality analytical data for police and customs forensic laboratories and forensic medicine institutes is important in the future because there does not seem to be an end to the dynamic of novel NPS appearing on the drug market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Pulver
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Fischmann
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Jan Schäper
- Bavarian State Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Munich, Germany
| | - Dennis Budach
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Johannes Zagermann
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Angela Damm
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Till Opatz
- Department of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Section, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Pütz
- Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), Wiesbaden, Germany
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