Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, a subsidiary of Inverness Medical Innovations (IMA), recently announced new lab testing to detect JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolites in urine samples. These are the main synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (a chemical that binds to a cell receptor) accountable for the psychoactive affects as well as euphoria that mimic marijuana and are mingled with other compounds found in herbal incense or smoke mixtures.      
 
Redwood’s laboratory analysis established JWH-018 and JWH-073 as the key compounds in 27 herbal mixtures. It also determined suitable tests to establish the presence of the metabolites.
 
Compounds of the JWH variety cling to cannabinoid receptors of the human brain. They were originally used to provide pain therapy for patients. Psychoactive chemicals, such as JWH-018 and JWH-073, are currently being sprayed on herbal mixtures and then marketed as synthetic marijuana or fake weed. They form frequently used herbal smoking products for buyers seeking a high feeling from usage. Common brand names include Smoke, Genie, Buzz, Hush, Pulse, K2 and Spice, among others.
 
Several states and the U.S. armed forces have already outlawed herbal blends containing JWH compounds. Further restrictions are expected on a nationwide basis. Nonetheless, herbal blends may still be acquired on the Internet. Medical reports indicate negative usage consequences such as rapid pulse rate, nausea and elevated agitation. In this regard, American Association of Poison Control Centers issued, in March 2010, a warning about the ill effects arising from the usage of synthetic marijuana products.  
 
Following the receipt of client requests to test for K2 and Spice drugs, Redwood’s research team created a reliable metabolite test. Redwood’s test will use mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography to detect JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolites.
 
Redwood’s latest test is expected to be suitable for many criminal situations including drug courts and probation. It may also help manage teenage drug abuse and enable rehabilitation of addicts.
 
Waltham, Massachusetts, based Inverness Medical provides near-patient diagnosis and rapid point-of-care diagnostics that focus on infectious disease, cardiology, drugs of abuse and oncology. Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, a subsidiary of Inverness Medical, is a drug-testing laboratory certified by the federal government.
Read the full analyst report on “IMA”
Zacks Investment Research