NMS Labs announces identification of metabolite of additional synthetic cannabinoid, JWH-250

WILLOW GROVE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NMS Labs, the country’s leading forensic toxicology and research laboratory currently working in the area of synthetic cannabinoids or “fake pot,” has announced another breakthrough in the identification of the latest of these popular drugs, JWH-250. This discovery follows NMS Labs recent announcement in the identification of JWH-018, and JWH-073 metabolites.

“We remain committed to maintaining our position of leadership in providing state-of-the-art lab tests that meet the challenges presented by this new world of dangerous abused designer drugs.”

JWH-250 is the latest in this series to become popular being found in products such as “Spikey XXX Gold,” “Pandora Aromatic Potpourri,” “Ed Hardy Legal Earth” and dozens more. The products are made by spraying the active chemicals on perfumed and crushed plant leaves, stems and petals, then smoking the “incense” in a cigarette or water pipe. Users experience effects similar to those of marijuana, but with apparently a greater frequency of adverse effects such as anxiety and paranoia. Some users may experience seizures or psychosis.

In contrast to JWH-018 and four other popular drugs recently outlawed by the Drug Enforcement Administration, JWH-250 is not Federally scheduled, and is widely available in the United States through local retail outlets and on-line. Some states have moved to outlaw the drug locally, but many have overlooked this particular compound.

NMS Labs Research and Development Group has been working to identify specific metabolite markers of these drugs that make it possible to detect their recent use through a urine test. The drugs are typically not detected in most common pre-employment or court ordered drug testing programs. NMS Labs has now created a useful test available for forensic clients in law enforcement and death investigation.

Dr. Barry Logan, National Director of Forensic Services at NMS Labs commented, ”This represents a great step forward for drug testing services, as we now understand the biochemical mechanisms that the body uses to break the drugs down. This discovery opens up opportunities to do more comprehensive testing for the dozens of related compounds waiting in the wings to be released onto the US market by drug labs in Asia and elsewhere.”

NMS Labs President Dr. Eric Rieders stated, “We remain committed to maintaining our position of leadership in providing state-of-the-art lab tests that meet the challenges presented by this new world of dangerous abused designer drugs.” NMS Labs expects to add more announcements soon regarding other drugs in this series.

Technical details about this discovery will be available at www.nmslabs.com.

About NMS Labs:

NMS Labs is a national reference laboratory that is unsurpassed in its scope of toxicology tests, accuracy of results, scientific expertise, and innovation. NMS Labs is passionate about promoting public health and safety. For more information on NMS Labs, please visit www.nmslabs.com.