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Color Spot Test As a Presumptive Tool for the Rapid Detection of Synthetic Cathinones
Published on: February 5, 2018
Insights from the first synthetic cannabinoid clandestine lab dismantled in Brazil
Gabriela de Paula Meirelles1, Karen Rafaela Gonçalves de Araújo1, Alexandre Barcia de Godoi2
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
Abstract:
The new psychoactive substance (NPS) situation in the world is a major challenge to toxicologists and supervisory bodies due to the constant evolution of the global drug market. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 1342 NPS have been identified, with synthetic cannabinoids accounting for 31.36% of these substances. While many substances appear and disappear rapidly, some NPS demonstrate prolonged market presence. For example, MDMB-4en-PINACA, first identified in 2017, has remained available to this day. In this context, the discovery of the first clandestine laboratory producing NPS in Brazil, specifically involving MDMB-4en-PINACA, served as a focal point for discussions on the accessibility of synthesis methods and the impact of legal restrictions and regulatory controls on the circulation of NPS. Furthermore, this article initiates a discussion on the potential role of artificial intelligence technologies in the synthesis of NPS.
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