title: Prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids in U.S. athletes: initial findings.
abstract: A number of synthetic cannabinoids such as JWH-018 and JWH-073 have been incorporated into "spice" products. Despite having labels warning against human consumption, the products are smoked for their cannabinoid-like effects and the extent of their use by athletes has not been adequately described. Urine samples collected from 5,956 athletes were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the presence of JWH-018, JWH-073, and their metabolites. Metabolites of JWH-018 and/or JWH-073 were detected in 4.5% of the samples. Metabolites of JWH-018 and JWH-073, only JWH-018, and only JWH-073 were detected in 50%, 49%, and approximately 1% of positive samples, respectively. In total, JWH-018 metabolites were detected in 99% (50% + 49%) and JWH-073 metabolites were detected in approximately 50% (49% + 1%) of the positive samples. Parent JWH-018, JWH-018-2-OH-indole, and JWH-018-4-OH-indole were not detected in any of the samples. All samples in which JWH-073 metabolites were detected contained JWH-073-N-butanoic acid. Parent JWH-073 and its N-(4-OH-butyl), 4-OH-indole, 5-OH-indole, and 7-OH-indole metabolites were not detected. Given the number of synthetic cannabinoids that have been synthesized, their limited regulation, and the prevalence of JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolites detected in the athletes, these compounds should remain a priority for anti-doping programs.
authors.affiliation: Aegis Sciences Corporation, 515 Great Circle Road, Nashville, TN 37228, USA.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heltsley
authors.forename: Melinda K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Shelby
authors.forename: Dennis J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Crouch
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: Timothy A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Robert
authors.forename: Lucas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Chantel L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bender
authors.forename: Anne Z
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: DePriest
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Colello
mesh_terms: D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004300:Doping in Sports; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000652:urine*; D007211:Indoles / Q000652:urine*; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000652:urine*; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000378:metabolism; D013177:Sports; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D007211:Indoles; D009281:Naphthalenes; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; C568258:JWH-073; C552597:1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole