Drug Epidemic: 13 years of Spice, Black Mamba, SCRAs and Fun

Since 2008, when the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) JWH-018 and CP47,497 were first detected, a total of over 200 SCRAs have now been reported worldwide.  Whilst the drivers for change in these compounds are not fully understood, the fact is that these compounds are generally around for a couple of years before disappearing. Over this time, whilst trying to keep up with the latest compounds we have developed methods and strategies for the ongoing detection of SCRAs and their metabolites in drug seizures, herbal incense, hair, biological fluids and gummys all based on Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™HRAM technology.  The methods have been used in postmortem work, drug driving, workplace drug testing, forensic drug analysis and several bespoke population studies. Some examples of methodologies and associated results will be shown. The latest findings in the UK are also presented together with metabolism data.