Click here to read the full abstract. Click here to learn more about our hair testing.

We are excited to announce the addition of ketamine to our umbilical cord tissue testing menu. These substances can be ordered as a 20-panel and add-on beginning July 28, 2025.

Click here to learn more about our new ketamine test.

For more information on umbilical cord tissue testing click here.

The U.S. Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration release an annual “Drugs of Abuse” packet to be “a reliable resource on the most commonly used and misused drugs in the United States.”

Click here to read the 2024 version!

Photo by: USDTL, Delta-8 THCP molecular structure unknown at the time of publication

Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Basics

The term cannabinoid refers to any chemical compound that interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. (2) These compounds are largely derived from Cannabis sativa, a plant that contains approximately 540 known chemical substances. (1) Under the United States’ 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills, plants with very low levels of THC (0.3%) are classified as industrial hemp. (8)

Trending Cannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids are compounds structurally similar to delta-9 THC or CBD but may be synthetically modified or occur in low concentrations naturally, and many have yet to be fully studied. They’re frequently found in vape cartridges, oils, gummies, and other over-the-counter products that can work around federal regulations. (3)

One of the major public health concerns with these types of cannabinoids is the accuracy of product labeling. For example, over-the-counter CBD products may contain significantly more or less CBD than listed. Due to limited regulatory oversight, they may also contain contaminants like THC without the consumer’s knowledge. (1) This both complicates toxicology testing and risks unintentional intoxication, especially in vulnerable populations like children.

Dr. Donna Coy, Ph.D., NRCC-TC, Laboratory Director at USDTL, highlights the main concern for public health:

“Different cannabinoids that circumvent the legal status of marijuana are being seen in the forensic toxicology field. These other cannabinoids have a different structure or are hemp-derived and may be illegal, depending on local legislation. Someone could use these products and have a negative delta-9 THC result.”

Here are some of the trending phytocannabinoids being seen on the market:

Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant in small quantities. However, delta-8 is often synthesized from hemp-derived CBD due to hemp’s low natural abundance. (5)

The FDA has raised alarms about delta-8 THC products because of:

• Inconsistent and dangerous product formulations and labeling;
• Unknown cannabinoid and terpene profiles;
• Variable potency and psychoactive effects;
• Misleading “hemp” branding that implies non-psychoactivity;
• Unregulated and/or unsanitary manufacturing conditions. (5)

From January 2021 to February 2022, US poison control centers received 2,362 exposure cases involving delta-8 THC products. (5)

Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis and binds to the CB1 receptor in the body to produce a range of biological and behavioral responses. (6) This means it is the “typical” cannabis product that most are familiar with.

While delta-9 THC and CBD are the most studied phytocannabinoids, several analogs with slight chemical variations are emerging in consumer products. (7)

Delta-10 THC

Delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ10-THC) is another THC analog with limited research, but it contains known psychoactive potential. It has been associated with multiple poison control reports. Between 2021 and 2022, 5,022 cases involving delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC were reported to US poison centers. (9)

Delta-9-THCP

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP) is thought to be significantly more potent than delta-9 THC. (2) In one case study, a regular cannabis user experienced psychotic symptoms and was hospitalized after consuming 8 mg of THCP. (2)

THCP does appear naturally in cannabis plants but only in small amounts. As a result, most products containing THCP are synthesized or genetically modified. (3) Despite this, its human effects remain poorly understood, and its availability in the commercial market remains controversial.

A study from Haghdoost, et al. states, “Part of this interest [in THCP] is because of the intoxicating effect of THCP, which allows users to achieve a ‘legal high’ by taking advantage of unintended allowances in the wording of the 2018 Farm Bill.” (3) This loophole is because THCP is under the 0.3% THC in dry weight count by federal law, allowing online markets and head shop owners the ability to sell it freely without fully knowing the effects.

Delta-8 THCP

Much like delta-9 THCP, delta-8 tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ8-THCP) is synthetically produced and likely psychoactive, but little research exists on its effects.

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive, naturally-occurring phytocannabinoid that does not cause a “high.” It is commonly used for a range of wellness claims, though scientific understanding of its full effects is still developing. (8) However, CBD is not entirely risk-free. Unknown side effects, drug interactions, and potential contamination are all concerns consumers should keep in mind. (8)

Moreover, many vendors that sell CBD also market THC-containing products. Without proper labeling, consumers may unknowingly ingest psychoactive substances. (8)

For more on this topic, see our blog post “What We Know About CBD.”

CBDP

Cannabidiphorol (CBDP) is a non-psychoactive analog of CBD, also discovered naturally in small amounts in cannabis plants. Much like THCP, its low natural abundance makes mass production difficult, so it is often made synthetically with genetic modifications to the plants to mimic the effects. (3)

Both THCP and CBDP are available in distillates, vapes, and gummies through online platforms, despite little data on safety or long-term impact. (3)

HHC

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a hydrogenated form of THC with trace natural occurrence, typically produced semi-synthetically. It is considered mildly psychoactive and has been marketed widely as a “legal high.” (4)

A 2023 review noted that while HHC products are readily available, there is concern over their potential for misuse or dependency, even though no intoxication cases had been formally reported by that time. The concern comes from its structural similarities to delta-9-THC and “CB1-mediated tetrad effects in mice.” (4) The same study noted concern that HHC is available to purchase on the internet as a “legal” replacement to THC. (4)

Why Test for Them?

Standard drug testing focuses on delta-9 THC, missing many analogs and synthetic cannabinoids that can still impair users and may be misused. With the rise of synthetic and genetically-modified cannabinoids in products marketed as “hemp” or “legal,” toxicology must evolve.

Our extended cannabinoid panels in ChildGuard^® can be used for accurate detection in cases involving suspected cannabinoid exposure in vulnerable populations.

References:

1. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11791752/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11277192/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10616920/
5. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2731700/
7. https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/cross-reactivity-cannabinoid-analogs-delta-8-thc-delta-10-thc-and-cbd-their
8. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/about/about-cbd.html
9. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2340115

We are excited to announce the addition of xylazine and psilocin to our hair and nail testing menus; the addition of extended cannabinoid options for our ChildGuard^® testing menu; and the addition of gabapentin and dextromethorphan to our urine testing menu. These substances can be ordered beginning May 19, 2025.

Click here to learn more about our new testing options.

For more information on hair testing click here, for more information on nail testing click here, for more information on ChildGuard^® testing click here, and for more information on urine testing click here. 

By: Katie Lea, Research & Development Project Coordinator, USDTL

Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are well known for containing psilocybin.¹ Humans have ingested these mushrooms for centuries to experience mind-altering effects. In 1957, psilocybin was identified as the active component of a hallucinogenic mushroom extract. Since then, metabolic studies have revealed that psilocybin is rapidly converted to psilocin in the body.² Low levels of psilocin may also be present in the mushroom itself.¹ Psilocin is structurally very similar to serotonin and binds to the same receptors in the brain, causing changes in perception and mood. It is now understood that psilocin, not psilocybin, is primarily responsible for the psychedelic “trip” following magic mushroom consumption.  

The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely depending on an individual’s mindset, body type, and level of tolerance.¹ Psychedelic effects typically begin 30-60 minutes after ingestion and last between 3-6 hours.¹ There is evidence that some effects may last up to 12 hours.³ Magic mushrooms are generally perceived as safe due to the rarity of overdose and low potential for addiction.¹ Some common negative effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination.^3,4 At high doses, panic and psychosis may occur.⁴ Additionally, psychedelic effects can lead to harmful and potentially fatal behaviors.³ There is also a risk of exacerbating existing psychological disorders such as schizophrenia.¹ 

Magic mushrooms are usually not included in routine drug testing.³ As mentioned, psilocybin is rapidly converted to psilocin in the body; therefore, detection of psilocin in a biological specimen could indicate magic mushroom use.^2,5,6 Psilocin is a particularly unstable chemical, but a majority of psilocin excreted in urine is present as the glucuronide metabolite, offering better stability and chance for detection.² Still, urine specimens should be wrapped in foil and shipped in an insulated box with cold packs to prevent degradation from light, heat, and air.² The detection of psilocin in hair or nail specimens may also indicate past magic mushroom use. Literature regarding psilocin in keratinized specimens is scarce, but there are two published reports of psilocin detected in the hair of hallucinogenic mushroom consumers.^5,6 With either specimen type, psilocin’s instability creates challenges in identifying past magic mushroom use. Care must be taken during specimen collection and analysis to minimize degradation of the drug in order to obtain the most accurate results.   

 References 

1. Lowe H, Toyang N, Steele B, Valentine H, Grant J, Ali A, Ngwa W, Gordon L. The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin. Molecules. 2021; 26(10):2948. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26102948 
2. Dinis-Oliveira, R. J. (2017). Metabolism of psilocybin and psilocin: clinical and forensic toxicological relevance. Drug Metabolism Reviews, 49(1), 84–91. https://doi.org/10.1080/03602532.2016.1278228 
3. Malaca S, Lo Faro AF, Tamborra A, Pichini S, Busardò FP, Huestis MA. Toxicology and Analysis of Psychoactive Tryptamines. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Dec 4;21(23):9279. doi: 10.3390/ijms21239279. PMID: 33291798; PMCID: PMC7730282. 
4. DEA Drug Fact Sheet: Psilocybin https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/psilocybin 
5. Zhou, L., Xiang, P., Wen, D. et al. Sensitive quantitative analysis of psilocin and psilocybin in hair samples from suspected users and their distribution in seized hallucinogenic mushrooms. Forensic Toxicol 39, 464–473 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-020-00566-3
6. Kintz, Pascal & Raul, Jean-Sébastien & Ameline, Alice. (2021). Testing human hair after magic mushrooms abuse by LC-MS/MS: Pitfalls and limitations. Forensic Chemistry. 26. 100364. 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forc.2021.100364

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Video Resources

 Additional Resources

• Psychedelics: Then and Now
• DMT: An Overview
• Read About Psilocin Launch

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A new disorder — Fetal Fentanyl Syndrome — has emerged, marked by microcephaly, distinctive facial features, cleft palate, and congenital anomalies in newborns exposed to fentanyl during pregnancy.¹ 

 Researchers and clinicians are at the forefront of understanding and addressing this urgent public health challenge. Detecting fentanyl exposure in newborns is now essential for: 

• Establishing Causality: Only with accurate testing can we confirm prenatal fentanyl exposure as the cause of this newly–recognized syndrome, differentiating it from genetic or other drug-related conditions.¹ 

• Uncovering Mechanisms: Early biochemical testing has revealed transient cholesterol metabolism abnormalities in affected infants, suggesting fentanyl may act as a teratogen by disrupting fetal cholesterol synthesis — a novel and critical area for research.¹ 

• Guiding Future Interventions: Systematic detection enables longitudinal studies to assess long-term neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes, informing clinical care and public health policy.¹ 

• Responding to an Epidemic: With fentanyl use rising, the potential impact of Fetal Fentanyl Syndrome is significant. Proactive detection is vital for quantifying prevalence, identifying at-risk populations, and shaping effective prevention strategies.¹ 

 Your detection can drive the discovery of mechanisms, outcomes, and solutions for Fetal Fentanyl Syndrome — but only if newborn fentanyl exposure is reliably detected and documented. 

USDTL is here to support you and your organization. We offer state-of-the-art, evidence-based toxicology testing for fentanyl and its metabolites in multiple mother and newborn specimens, including POCT and central laboratory testing options for maximum accuracy and detection. 

References 

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11613603/ 

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What is DMT?

DMT, or N, N-Dimethyltryptamine, is a potent hallucinogen that is both synthesized in labs and found naturally in various plants and animals. DMT is renowned for its intense psychoactive properties. It is the primary psychedelic compound in the South American plant brew known as ayahuasca, which has been used for centuries in religious and spiritual practices. DMT is classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States. However, certain protections exist for its use in religious ceremonies and research.¹

Effects of DMT

When consumed, DMT induces a range of desired and undesired effects. Among the most common desired effects are vivid hallucinations, dissociation from the body, alterations in mood, and significant changes in perception. Users often report experiencing a profound shift in consciousness, a sense of connection to the universe, altered visual and auditory experiences, and intense emotional states. However, there are also unwanted effects, such as nausea, vomiting, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate.¹

In extreme cases, DMT use has been linked to severe reactions, including seizures, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest.⁶ These more dangerous outcomes are rare but have been reported to poison control centers, highlighting the risks associated with the substance.^1,6

History of DMT

The use of DMT dates back centuries, with indigenous South American tribes using brews like ayahuasca in religious ceremonies.¹ The brew contains two primary ingredients: Psychotria viridis, a shrub rich in DMT, and Banisteriopsis caapi, a vine that contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).^2,4 These MAOIs prevent the rapid breakdown of DMT in the body, allowing for the prolonged and intense effects of the brew.²

In the 1930s, ayahuasca began to make its way into urban Brazil, where it was used in religious environments.⁴ The first synthesis of DMT occurred in the 1950s, and by the 1960s, its hallucinogenic properties were widely recognized.¹ DMT’s popularity increased in the United States in the 1960s as a recreational drug. However, in 1971, the passage of the Controlled Substances Act led to DMT being classified as a Schedule I substance, making it illegal for most uses.¹

DMT Today – The Resurgence of Psychedelics

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelics, including DMT. This revival includes both recreational use and the exploration of DMT’s therapeutic potential.^2,3 With a relatively short duration of action, DMT is considered a more appealing alternative to other psychedelics that have longer-lasting effects.³ It is also becoming increasingly available, both for recreational use and through religious practices, such as ayahuasca ceremonies.⁶

Despite its rise in interest, the use of DMT remains relatively low compared to other substances. However, recent statistics show a gradual increase in its use, especially among individuals who use other substances. From 2007-2014, tryptamine use (which includes DMT) increased from 0.2% to 0.7%, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.⁵ Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in ayahuasca-related calls to poison control centers, particularly between 2005 and 2015, further demonstrating the growing prevalence of DMT-related incidents.⁶

 References

1. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/dmt.pdf​
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6088236/pdf/fnins-12-00536.pdf​
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10850177/​
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11114307/pdf/PCN5-2-e146.pdf​
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6182767/#:~:text=Prevalence%20of%20DMT%20and%20other,to%2015.5%25%20(p%20%3D%20.​
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27896660/

 Learn more about Psychedelics.

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