Analytical Challenges with Proliferating THC Analogues

Lab-created THC analogs, such as Δ8-THC, Δ10-THC, Δ6a10a-THC, exo-THC, THC-Os, CBD-di-O, THCP isomers, THCB isomers, THCH isomers, exo-THC, and HHC, are easily synthesized from CBD and/or Δ9-THC.  The biomarkers for these analogs, which would be used to indicate exposure and use, are unknown. Virginia Commonwealth University and the Washington D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner propose to implement the objectives of Addressing Presumptive and Confirmation Analytical Challenges with Proliferating Commercially Available THC Analogues. The purpose is to assess presumptive testing interferences of the merging THC analogs and validate a confirmation and quantitative analytical method for the forensic toxicology community. Project activities include the monitoring of e-liquids in the marketplace as a bellwether of emerging analogs, to develop and validate a method for product and biological tissue analysis, and to assess immunoassay cross-reactivity of emerging THC analogs and biomarkers with Δ9-THC-COOH targets. Expected outcomes include understanding drug testing interferences in presumptive analyses and an adoptable robust analytical method for emerging THC analogs to provide more information for public health and public safety stakeholders. Another important outcome includes the training and mentoring of the future workforce. CA/NCF