Cannabis adulterated with the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist MDMB-4en-PINACA and the role of European drug checking services

Adulteration of low‐delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol products with synthetic cannabinoids: Results from drug checking services

“…In consideration of the Swiss harmonized measurement uncertainty, published by the SGRM, 59 the obtained THC‐values of the analysed cannabis flowers were below the Swiss legal THC threshold of 1% 40 . The presented results are in accordance with recently published data on the phytocannabinoid contents of cannabis flowers adulterated with the SC MDMB‐4en‐PINACA 22 . The use of low‐THC cannabis flowers might be explained as that, in the view of producers, it is attractive to obtain and store a legal product (low‐THC cannabis flowers), which is then altered into a psychoactive and illegal product only prior to releasing the product on to the market.…”

“…ADB‐BUTINACA has since been repeatedly detected, with additional seven detections in the timeframe up to the end of June 2021 (end of study). The emergence of ADB‐BUTINACA has also been reported in other countries 22,54,55 . Thus, ADB‐BUTINACA could become increasingly popular on the drug market in the near future and replace earlier SCs.…”

“…Drug checking services offer valuable insights into the drug market often including user self‐reports describing the drug's effects. For instance, Oomen et al recently highlighted the importance of drug checking services for the monitoring of new trends, demonstrated by the example of adulterated cannabis products 22 …”

“…The drug test results obtained from drug checking services generally include identity and quantity of the main active ingredient as well as any pharmacologically relevant adulterants and, in cases of fixed dosage forms (i.e., tablets and trips), the respective dosages. Drug checking services offer an insight into the recreational drug market at consumer level and, thus, act as a market monitoring tool 22,33,34 . Drug checking services range from onsite (mobile) testing at festivals or nightclubs to stationary premises 32,33,35 .…”

“…For instance, Oomen et al recently highlighted the importance of drug checking services for the monitoring of new trends, demonstrated by the example of adulterated cannabis products. 22 This study presents data, gained through drug checking services, and elucidates the new phenomenon of low-THC cannabis preparations adulterated with synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). Study aims are to inform on present developments, with regard to identified compounds, applied carrier material, and reported adverse effects after consumption of adulterated cannabis products.…”