Data Hidden in Sewage: Advanced Methods for Identification and Quantification of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Urban Wastewater.

ABSTRACT: Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) represent one of the rapidly growing groups of new psychoactive substances (NPS) on the illicit drug market. SCs mimic the effects of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, but they have a greater affinity to the receptors, resulting in more potent psychoactive effects than traditional substances. The toxicity and high abuse potential of SCs could pose serious health risks to their users. The challenges posed by the SCs require innovative monitoring strategies like the analysis of untreated wastewater, known as wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). In this review article, we summarized the available literature on the detection and quantification of SCs in raw wastewater samples published between 2013 and 2025. We paid special attention to challenges related to diff

SUBMITTER: Kurzeja W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12844115 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature