Determination of Synthetic Cannabinoids from Wastewater Samples
Lori Graziosi
Co-Presenters: John Keresztesy
College: College of Liberal Arts
Major: Psychology
Faculty Research Mentor: Mingjing Sun
Abstract:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are psychoactive components of cannabis in the endocannabinoid system. Synthetic cannabinoids were created for research use to absorb a greater understanding of endocannabinoid receptors in the body thus leading to a worldwide illegal distribution of them across the world. Synthetic cannabinoids mimic the effects of marijuana but do not contain any chemically related factors of it. Usage is prohibited for human consumption, but for individuals, it is used to feel the effects of marijuana at a cheaper price and for a less risky drug screening. Compounds get sprayed onto tea leaves or grass clipping for usage of smoking. It has a ten to one-hundred times greater binding affinity to receptors in the brain making it easier for psychoactive components in the brain to be active. Drug use contaminates wastewater with a variety of substances, including illicit drugs, which can be detrimental to the environment and general public's health. The abused drugs can be excreted through the sewer system and so they could be existing in the wastewater. This research assesses the extraction of synthetic cannabinoids from wastewater and determines what kind of synthetic cannabinoid is present within the wastewater sample using HPLC-MS analysis. Synthetic Cannabinoid Mixture 1 were ran through our instruments to determine presence in the waste water. Through these analysis, five cannabinoids were found present thus far in the research.