Synthetic cannabinoids undergo rapid and extensive metabolism to phase I metabolites that can sometimes retain high potency or may even be toxic compared to their parent compounds. Because of this rapid metabolism in vivo, it is typically impossible to detect the parent synthetic cannabinoids in biological samples. Metabolite detection is often the only viable way to determine synthetic cannabinoid exposure. Cayman's scientists have developed this laboratory guide for toxicologists and drug chemists to help identify these clinically relevant metabolites from several major classes of synthetic cannabinoids.

In this guide for synthetic cannabinoid metabolism we review:

• The Phase I Metabolite Biotransformation Pathway
  
• Metabolites of Amide-, Ester-, and Carbonyl-Linked Head Group Classes of Synthetic Cannabinoids
  
• Typical Synthetic Cannabinoid Metabolism Patterns
  

Review the list of primary resources used to collate this guide here.