View article

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are the largest group of compounds currently monitored in Europe by the EU Early Warning System on new psychoactive substances. Emerging recreational use of these products has led to multiple cases of adverse health effects and even death. In contrast to marijuana, where Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹THC) is metabolized to only one major active metabolite, it has been reported that several major phase I metabolites of SCs remain biologically active, exerting cannabinoid (CB) receptor affinity, potency, and efficacy greater than those of Δ⁹THC. It is therefore reasonable that more SCs can also be biotransformed into molecules with various levels of CB activity. Here, we developed and applied a new G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activation assay based on NanoLuc binary technology (Promega). More specifically, by demonstrating CB1 and CB2 receptor activation by JWH …