Bioanalytical methods for the determination of synthetic cannabinoids and metabolites in biological specimens

Recently the use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) has increased around the world. As a result, the importance for accurate analysis of SCs in human biological matrices is evident and continues to be especially challenging due to their chemical structures being constantly modified. Many methods have been published recently for the analysis of SCs in human biological samples. This review provides an overview of the analytical methods used for the analysis of SCs and their metabolites in biological specimens with a special focus on chromatographic analysis and sample preparation. Liquid chromatography assay is the most commonly used for confirmation purposes of SCs and their metabolites in biological matrices. In blood and oral fluid, analysis of SCs must be very sensitive. In urine, SCs have extensive metabolism pathways; therefore the main target compounds are their hydroxyl and carboxyl metabolites, which is important to recognise when establishing clinical and forensic toxicology analytical methods.