The hidden threat: Why synthetic cannabinoids outpace detection science

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) represent a complex and evolving challenge in modern analytical science and sports integrity. Originally developed as research tools to study the endocannabinoid system and support pharmaceutical development, these compounds have become a significant concern across public health, forensics, and animal welfare. Unlike natural THC, which occurs in cannabis plants, synthetic cannabinoids exhibit substantially higher psychoactive potency and enhanced receptor-binding affinity, making them far more potent and potentially dangerous. The rapid evolution of SC derivatives—with new chemical variants constantly appearing—creates a moving target for detection laboratories and regulatory agencies trying to keep pace with emerging substances.

The review highlights a critical gap in our understanding: there is limited comprehensive data on the toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and potential performance-enhancing effects of synthetic cannabinoids. This knowledge gap becomes especially problematic when considering their potential misuse in both human and animal sports contexts. For racehorses specifically, the scarcity of studies on SC administration and detection represents a significant regulatory vulnerability. The paper examines historical development, pharmacological properties, and various analytical methodologies for detecting SCs in biological matrices—laying out the technical and scientific foundations needed to address this emerging threat.

For cannabis users and the general public, this research underscores an important distinction: the synthetic cannabinoids found in illicit markets and exploited in sports contexts are not the same as natural cannabis compounds. Their heightened potency and less-understood effects make them substantially riskier. The analytical challenges described in this paper demonstrate why regulatory agencies and testing laboratories struggle to maintain oversight—each new synthetic variant requires new detection methods, creating a persistent game of chemical "catch-up" that impacts public safety and fair competition across human and animal athletics.