9319. Cannabinoids (qualitative determination)

Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds of various structures and origins that are capable of interacting with specific receptors (cannabinoid receptors) in the human brain and body, similarly to the compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. This test is used to detect the presence of cannabinoids and their metabolites in the human body over a certain period of time.

Cannabinoids are a group of terpenophenolic compounds derived from 2-substituted 5-amylresorcinol. They occur naturally in plants of the Cannabaceae family and are the active constituents of hashish and marijuana.

The term ‘cannabinoids’ is also used to describe synthetic compounds that have a structure related to plant cannabinoids and exhibit similar pharmacological effects.

The principal component is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC; delta-9-THC-9-carboxylic acid, THC), which affects the central nervous and cardiovascular systems.

All cannabinoids are lipid-soluble substances that accumulate in lipid-rich tissues, including the brain, lungs, reproductive organs, and cell membranes. After penetrating cell membranes and reaching the cell nucleus, cannabinoids alter biochemical processes and cellular metabolism by disrupting the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and cellular proteins. They are released slowly into the bloodstream, allowing them to be detected in the body for an extended period even after a single use.

A significant proportion of cannabinoid metabolites is eliminated from the body within 3-4 days. They are generally no longer detectable in blood by the third day and in urine by the eighth day after a single use has been discontinued.

Overdose

Symptoms of cannabinoid overdose include excessive sweating, tremor of the extremities, tachycardia, nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and psychiatric disturbances. More severe overdose is usually associated with impaired coordination, difficulty thinking and speaking, complete or partial immobility, and a somnolent state, during which oneiroid hallucinosis may occasionally be observed.

• For detecting the use of prohibited substances.
• When narcotic drugs are used for therapeutic purposes.
• For examining patients at risk of substance use.
• For challenging the results of an examination.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: