Background: In recent years many unknown synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) and other components have appeared on the market as constituents of herbal mixtures known as (Strox) which is posing a major public health and legal risk for society. Additionally, there is no adequate data on the ingredients of the illegally available ‘Strox' and their pharmacological properties .Aim: this study was conducted to to detect active principles of some SCs products and to investigate the diversity of available synthetic cannabinoids (Strox) in Assiut governorate in 2020. Methodology: analysis of synthetic cannabinoid extract from 3 different seized samples (Strox) was conducted using Gas chromatography/ mass Spectrophotometry (GC/MS). Results: The Gas chromatography/ mass Spectrophotometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that the different seized SCs samples were significantly different in terms of the active ingredients. Those ingredients included fatty acids, tobacco derivatives, cannabis sativa derivatives, benzodiazepines, quinazoline derivatives, piperine, indoles, analgesic agents, alkanes, melatonin derivatives, arsenic, solvents, and benzoic acid. Conclusion: The illegally available SCs samples have different ingredients which reflect the difference in the expected effects on users and making diagnosis of SCs use is challenging. Thus, leading to unpredictability of experienced symptoms and clinical presentation. Recommendations: Given the continuous emergence of variable mixtures containing new synthetic cannabinoids, a widespread cooperation system is necessary for sharing analytical information and improving drug market monitoring. This cooperation is mandatory to keep an up-to-date list of controlled substances.
Key words
Strox, New Psychoactive, Synthetic Cannabinoids, GC/MS, illegal herbal mixture.