JWH-250 [KLH]

Initially synthesized for their therapeutic properties, synthetic cannabinoids are recreationally used since 2000 due to the production of similar effects to those of cannabis. Sold under the name of "Spice", synthetic cannabinoids are not detected by the usual toxicological tests. We developed a simple gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for the urinary detection and quantification of seven synthetic cannabinoids and two metabolites (JWH-018, and its metabolite JWH-018-5N-(hydroxypentyl), JWH-073 and its metabolite JWH-073-4N-(hydroxybutyl), JWH-250, JWH-200, JWH-122, RCS-4 and AM-2201). We applied our chromatographic method to the urine analysis of patients consulting for addiction in our universitary hospital. Among the 112 analysed urines, one was positive for JWH073-4N-(hydroxybutyl) at a concentration of 25 ng/mL. (C) 2015 Societe Francaise de Toxicologie Analytique. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Objectives The use of synthetic cannabimimetics (SC; spice drugs) is increasing, especially among teenagers and young adults. In parallel with this, the number of studies describing intoxication episodes associated with psychotic symptoms in SC users is growing. We present both a systematic review of the related literature and a case report, which seems to highlight the existence of a possible association between SC use and psychosis. Methods Some 223 relevant studies were here identified and reviewed. Out of these, 120 full text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 41 were finally included in the systematic review. Results According to the available data from the studies here identified, SC's average age of users was 22.97years, and the male/female ratio was 3.16:1. SC compounds most often reported in studies using biological specimen analysis were JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-122, CP-47,497, and JWH-250. Mounting evidence seemed to suggest that psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions may occur in acute/chronic SC users. Conclusions Although a clear causal link may not be here identified, the available evidence suggests that SC can trigger the onset of acute psychosis in vulnerable individuals and/or the exacerbation of psychotic episodes in those with a previous psychiatric history. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.