Synthetic Cannabinoids

K2 / K3 / K2P (Pinaca)

contact us

Primary Products

$

DrugSURE® Integrated Test Cups

$

DrugSURE® Dip Tests

$

OralTox® Oral Fluid Tests

ng/ml

Cut-Off Levels

Rapid Urine Test:  10, 25, 50 ng/mL

Rapid Oral Fluid Test:  10 ng/mL

WOD

Window of Detection Times

Urine Specimen: 1 – 3 Days

Oral Fluid Specimen: 48 Hours

What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids—often referred to as K2, Spice, K3, K2P, or “herbal incense”—are man-made chemicals designed to activate the same receptors in the brain as THC (the active ingredient in cannabis). However, their chemical structures vary widely, and the compounds evolve frequently as manufacturers attempt to bypass regulations and testing technologies. These substances do not structurally resemble natural cannabis; instead, they belong to diverse chemical classes that can produce unpredictable and sometimes dangerous effects.

Because there is no single “synthetic cannabinoid” formula, researchers classify these substances into several major chemical families, each with its own structural backbone. Newer generations are often modifications of earlier compounds, created to remain legal or avoid detection. This rapid evolution is why toxicology programs, law enforcement, and medical providers struggle to keep up with identification and screening.

These products typically appear as loose, shredded plant-like material in small foil packets, though users may also encounter them in liquid cartridges. They are smoked, vaporized, or occasionally mixed into edibles. The effects are unpredictable because formulations change frequently, and batches often contain mixtures of multiple synthetic chemicals. These substances have no approved medical use and are associated with significant toxicity, including severe agitation, hallucinations, seizures, cardiac events, and fatalities.

Effects:

  • Intense and unpredictable intoxication

  • Severe anxiety, panic, or agitation

  • Hallucinations or psychosis

  • Elevated heart rate and high blood pressure

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Confusion or disorientation

  • Seizures

  • Kidney damage in severe cases

  • Violent or bizarre behavior

  • High risk of overdose due to unknown potency

Commons Slang Terms:

  • K2

  • Spice

  • Fake weed

  • Synthetic pot

  • Herbal incense

  • Scooby Snax

  • Black Mamba

  • Cloud 9

  • Joker

  • Zombia

Legal Status:

Synthetic cannabinoids are illegal under U.S. federal law, classified broadly under the Controlled Substances Analogue Enforcement Act and scheduled individually as new compounds emerge. Because manufacturers continuously alter chemical formulations to evade regulation, enforcement is challenging—new analogs may be illegal in practice, even if not yet listed by name.

For point-of-care rapid toxicology testing programs, synthetic cannabinoids present significant challenges. Their constantly changing chemistry makes widespread rapid screening difficult, and most routine POC devices do not detect all forms. Some specialty tests exist, but they are more often laboratory-based. Programs relying on POC screening may miss new or uncommon analogs, increasing the importance of:

  • Clear policies addressing suspected impairment

  • Laboratory confirmation when synthetic cannabinoid use is suspected

  • Awareness that negative results do not rule out use due to limited cross-reactivity

Testing organizations, treatment centers, and government programs must stay updated on emerging analogs and understand the limitations of POC screening in detecting these rapidly evolving compounds.

Screening Options:

 

Rapid Urine Specimen Tests

 

Rapid Oral Fluid Tests

Lab Conirmations

LEGEND

 

Integrated Urine Test Cup Options Available

 

Urine Dip Card Test Options Available

 

Oral Fluid Testing Options Available

 

Lab Confirmation Services Available