Legal in most states, JWH-018 and JWH-073 are the two most popular synthetic cannabinoids used today. Reportedly offering a high 4 times stronger than marijuana, JWH-018 and JWH-073 are commonly associated with herbal smoke and incense products sold under names like K2, Spice, Serenity and others.

Synthetic cannabinoid chemicals are often laced in the herbal smoking products that are readily available via the Internet and in many "head-shops" around the country. Users looking for a "legal high" often turn to these herbal smoking or incense products because they do not show up on a standard urine drug test. Users smoke the product by wrapping joints, smoking it in pipes, or inhaling fumes via vaporizers. Users also report that herbal blends or pure chemical concoctions can be ingested with an infusion or solvent process; purportedly allowing them to manage the potency and dose of the active ingredient(s).
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JWH-018 and JWH-073 are the primary synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists responsible for the euphoric and psychoactive effects that imitate marijuana and are among the numerous compounds found in herbal incense and smoke blends.

JWH-018 and JWH-073 do not contain cannabis but produce effects reported up to 4 times the strength of THC/marijuana. Users indicate the high comes on slow at first, then with surprising potency. There have been many reports about the adverse effects including agitation, rapid heart rate, confusion, dizziness and nausea. In fact, the American Association of Poison Control Centers issued a warning about the dangers of synthetic marijuana products in March 2010.

Long-term effects from these research chemicals are unknown. << hide answer

Users looking for a "legal high" often turn to popular herbal smoking products marketed under brand names such as K2, K3, Spice, Genie, Smoke, Pot-pourri, Buzz, Pulse, Hush, Mystery, Earthquake, Ocean Blue, Stinger, Serenity and many others.

Little is known about the recipe of each herbal preparation or how much of the active ingredient is present. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the products, but maintains they are not approved for human consumption. Without proper ingredient labeling or measured potency, users increase the risk of overdosing. To complicate labeling and dose concerns, some reports indicate many popular brands are now counterfeit or fake brands. << hide answer

While legal under federal law, products containing JWH-018 and JWH-073 are banned in several states and by the U.S. armed forces. Legal restrictions on these compounds are likely to be imposed nationwide. Additionally, they are banned by a number of European countries, including Britain, France, Germany, Poland and Russia, as well as South Korea.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) labeled them a "drug and chemical of concern" in 2009. << hide answer

Redwood Toxicology Laboratory (RTL) is one of the largest, full-service, independent drug and alcohol testing laboratories in the United States. RTL utilizes state-of-the-art screening and confirmation methodologies for urine and oral fluid drug testing and is trusted by over 7,000 customers. These customers rely on the RTL promise that "We'll find out."

• Advantages of using RTL include:
•   + First lab in the world to offer synthetic cannabinoid metabolite testing in urine
•   + Extensive experience in performing forensic toxicology analysis for alcohol and drugs of abuse
•   + Highly qualified and credentialed scientific staff
•   + Tests performed on state-of-the-art instrumentation
•   + Excellent client services and support
•   + Quality assurance and quality control procedures ensure accurate results

• Key benefits include:
•   + Ideal for a number of criminal situations including drug courts, probation and parole
•   + Well-suited for addiction admittance, treatment and monitoring
•   + Limits teen drug abuse, workplace liability and employee costs

RTL laboratory analysis confirmed JWH-018 and JWH-073 as the active ingredients in 27 herbal smoking mixtures, and established test methods to identify the presence of their metabolites. << hide answer

The presence of metabolites in urine confirms ingestion of JWH-018 and JWH-073. JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolites can be detected in urine up to 72 hours (depending on usage/dosage). << hide answer

Both JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolize extensively in humans via oxidation and glucuronide conjugation. Depending on dosage, the hydroxylated JWH-018 and JWH-073 and the carboxylated JWH-018 metabolites can be detected up to 72 hours in urine. Parent drug excreted in human urine has not been reported. << hide answer

There are no cut-off levels for RTL's Synthetic Cannabinoid Test. Toxicology result reporting for JWH-018 and JWH-073 will indicate either "Detected" or "Not Detected." << hide answer

Conventional drug test panels will not detect the broad range of synthetic cannabinoids. They pass undetected in standard urine testing for such drugs as cocaine, marijuana, heroin and amphetamines. RTL's Synthetic Cannabinoid Test can be ordered with your standard panel to ensure JWH-018 and JWH-073 are detected. << hide answer

RTL's test will utilize the most sophisticated, sensitive and specific equipment and technology available, LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry) to confirm JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolites.

To reduce false-negative results, the detection method relies on monitoring multiple metabolites for each of the compounds. Other labs that only look for the parent drug in urine will not be able provide accurate results. RTL's test methodology provides the most definitive synthetic cannabinoid biomarker test results. << hide answer

You may request the Synthetic Cannabinoid Test by writing "K2/Spice" or Panel Code "473" on the chain of custody label. You may also request to have your labels updated to include this as a test option. << hide answer

Yes. A variety of solutions are available that combine rapid on-site devices with lab analysis. On-site devices are fast, convenient and cost-effective; combined with lab testing they are the perfect pair. The Reditest® product family covers an extensive list of illicit and therapeutic drugs, and is a reliable first step in detection. << hide answer

You can request the Synthetic Cannabinoid Test when filling out your chain of custody by indicating "K2/Spice" or Panel Code "473" on your label. This test may be run in conjunction with your primary panel. You also have the option of requesting an ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) test to detect recent alcohol ingestion. You can also test for Steroids, Fentanyl, GHB and a comprehensive list of prescription drugs. << hide answer

For information about Synthetic Cannabinoid Test pricing, contact your RTL sales representative toll-free at (800) 255-2159. << hide answer

RTL offers Synthetic Cannabinoid Test result reporting by Internet (www.webtoxicology.com) or U.S. mail. << hide answer