Prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids in U.S. athletes: initial findings

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.