Citation

Adamowicz P, Lechowicz W. Traffic Injury Prev. 2015; 16(8): 754-759.

Affiliation

Institute of Forensic Research , Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow , Poland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15389588.2015.1018990

PMID

25794331

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: UR-144 [(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl)-methanone] is a synthetic cannabinoid, which has been detected in many 'legal highs' seized from the global drug market since the beginning of 2012. It gained popularity as a 'legal' alternative to classic cannabis in countries where it was not controlled. The popularity of UR-144 means that this substance is also abused by individuals driving motor vehicles. This paper describes a case of driving under the influence (DUI) of UR-144. The aim of the undertaken case analysis and presenting description of pharmacological similarity of THC and UR-144 is to answer the question whether UR-144 can produce effects incompatible with safe driving.

METHODS: Blood from the driver was obtained by a physician approximately 2 h after the collision and 4.5 h after self-reported dosing. Police from the crash site provided behavioral observations, and the physician performed medical examination. Blood was analysed by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The developed method was described in detail. The method was linear in the range of 0.5 - 50 ng/mL; the precision and accuracy values obtained were less than 15%. The symptoms observed by police and physician who collected the blood sample were described.

RESULTS: In the blood sample collected from the driver UR-144 and its major pyrolysis product [1-(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-3-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)but-3-en-1-one] were detected. Whole blood concentration of UR-144 was 14.6 ng/mL. The result of blood analysis and observed symptoms clearly indicated that the driver was under the influence of UR-144.

CONCLUSIONS: UR-144 produces effects and impairment similar or even more dangerous to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC), making it unsafe for driving. , , Therefore, UR-144 should be treated as a potentially dangerous substance in traffic safety.

Keywords: Cannabis impaired driving

Language: en