title: The impact of changes in UK classification of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in 'Spice'.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spice is the iconic brand name of a smokeable herbal mixture containing synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. It has been available on the Internet/in head shops in Europe since at least 2006. The synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist constituents of Spice were classified in the UK as Class B agents in December 2009. This study assessed the impact of this legislation on the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists present in Spice products and whether new synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists outside of the legislation are now available.
  
  
  METHODS
  Spice products were bought, prior to and after the change in the UK legislation, from a range of Internet legal high websites selling to UK consumers. Products were analysed using liquid chromatography high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS). Identification of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist(s) detected was made by comparison to existing databases or by 'in silico' methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen products were purchased prior to the UK control of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists; all contained at least one synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist. 20 products were purchased after the UK control; no active compounds were detected in 3 (15%). The remaining 17 (85%) all contained at least one classified synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist. Additionally, 2 synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists not covered under current UK generic legislation (AM-694 and the 'novel Belarus compound') were detected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the UK 'Spice' classification, classified synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists continue to be supplied over the Internet to UK users. Furthermore, new synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists not covered by the legislation are appearing. Consideration needs to be given to reviewing the UK legislation so that suppliers cannot circumvent it by supplying legal alternatives to the classified synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists.
authors.affiliation: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, London, UK.
authors.forename: Paul I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Dargan
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hudson
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ramsey
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D063386:Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification* / Q000191:economics; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003415:Crime / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification* / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007211:Indoles / Q000032:analysis / Q000145:classification; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D020407:Internet / Q000191:economics; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000032:analysis / Q000145:classification; D012906:Smoke; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: C568442:(4-methoxyphenyl)(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methanone; C568441:AM 694; D063386:Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; D002186:Cannabinoids; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D007211:Indoles; D009281:Naphthalenes; D012906:Smoke; C552597:1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole