Rapid Screening for Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones Using Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART)-TOF-MS

Synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones are classified as "designated substances", and comprise a new class of illegal drugs. In order to offer rapid and expert testimony on these drugs, a screening method that uses direct analysis in real time (DART TM) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) was developed. DART enabled the direct introduction of a sample without any pretreatment, such as extraction and cleanup. The positive-ion mode was suitable for ionization in TOF-MS. It was also possible to accurately measure the mass of each drug. The mass spectra clearly showed all peaks representing the protonated molecules of synthetic cannabinoids (14 types) and synthetic cathinones (three types). The analysis of samples of herbal products, plant leaves, and tablets was possible without any pre-processing of the samples. As a result, stimulants, cannabis components, and several synthetic cannabinoids (such as JWH-210, AM2201, JWH-203, JWH-081, 4-methylehcathinone, and naphyrone) were identified in each sample. With DART-TOF-MS, the mass spectrum was obtained in a few seconds. The analysis with DART-TOF-MS was proven to be useful for screening controlled substances.