Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Spice Using GC-MS

The purpose of this research thesis was to develop a method to test for synthetic cannabinoids in a variety of street samples, known as "spice", using a GC-MS. Six samples were tested. Of the six, four contained JWH-122 as a major ingredient and two contained JWH-210 as a major ingredient, with one of the previously mentioned samples containing both. The experiment successfully demonstrates that extraction by methylene chloride is an effective extraction technique for synthetic cannabinoids. In addition, the four liquid samples all contained trace amounts of other JWH compounds, suggesting that cross-contamination occurred in the original manufacturer's laboratory.