Semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSCs) represent an emerging class of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) that are often advertised and sold as legal. SSCs can be described as partially synthetic materials that are derived from natural components of the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, such as Cannabidiol (CBD). New studies on the in-vivo and in-vitro metabolism of SSC’s, such as Δ¹⁰-THC, Δ^6a,10a-THC, and HHC, are emerging, which detail the similarities and differences seen to natural phytocannabinoid like Δ⁹-THC.

Alicyn Stothard and Jonathon Bassman, synthetic organic chemists at Cayman Chemical, discuss the overall landscape of newly emerging SSCs and their metabolism, along with a case study utilizing LC/MS-based identification of putative in-vitro metabolites for the SSC’s Δ¹⁰-THC and Δ^6a,10a-THC.

Presented as part of the CFSRE's 2025 Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology Symposium.

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