Impaired Driving Associated with the Synthetic Cannabinoid 5f-Adb.

Journal: Journal of forensic science & criminology
Published Date: Aug 1, 2018

Abstract

Synthetic marijuana compounds are more potent than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) and are known to produce a wide variety of clinical symptoms including cardiac toxicity, seizures, and death. Erratic driving by a 45 y/o male was witnessed in the fall of 2017 and roadside evaluation of the driver by the responding law enforcement officer concluded that the driver was intoxicated. Comprehensive analysis of the cigarettes by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected the synthetic cannabinoid 5-fluoro-ADB (5F-ADB or 5F-MDMB-PINACA). Validated forensic liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods were used to detect the 5-fluoro ADB metabolite 7 (26.37 ng/mL) in the driver's blood sample. No other drugs were detected. This case report is one of the first to conclusively show that designer synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as "K2" and "Spice", can significantly impair driving at relatively low concentrations.

Authors

  • K R McCain
    Department of Pharmacy Practice College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
  • J O Jones
    PinPoint Testing, LLC, Little Rock, AR, USA.
  • K T Chilbert
    Baptist Health Medical Center - Little Rock, Baptist Health Dr., Little Rock, AR USA.
  • A L Patton
    PinPoint Testing, LLC, Little Rock, AR, USA.
  • L P James
    Department of Pediatrics College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, W Markham St #550, Little Rock, AR, USA.
  • J H Moran
    PinPoint Testing, LLC, Little Rock, AR, USA.

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