Quantitative analysis of three synthetic cannabinoids by densitometric high-performance thin-layer chromatography

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) exemplify the largest group of drugs of abuse detected by the USA and other countries through early warning systems of drugs of abuse. They are generally sprayed on aromatic or other “natural herbal mixtures” with the aim of simulating the effect of cannabis, and are sold as “herbal smoking blends” or “herbal incenses” under brand names such as “Spice” or “K2.” In this context, we implemented a fast and reliable method for the analysis of SCs CP-47,497, AM2201, and JWH-018 in seized samples by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), offering comparative advantages such as low cost and rapid results, with low use of solvents or other chemicals and reagents.