To date, more than 800 molecules are classified as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), and it is reported that this number increases every year. Whereas several cases of polydrug consumption that led to acute intoxication and death are reported, a lack of effective analytical screening method to detect NPS and classical drug of abuse in human matrices affects the prompt identification of the probable cause of intoxication in emergency department of hospitals. In this concern, a fast, simple and comprehensive high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS-MS) screening method to detect and quantify 77 NPS, 24 classic drugs and 18 related metabolites has been successfully developed and validated in blood, urine and oral fluid. A small volume (100 µL) of whole blood samples spiked with internal standard deuterated mixture was added to 70 µL of M3® buffer, and after precipitation of blood proteins, the supernatant was evaporated to dryness and reconstituted in 1 mL of mobile phase. Same volume (100 µL) of urine and oral fluid samples spiked with internal standard deuterated mix were only diluted with 500 µL of M3® reagent. One microliter of samples of each matrix was injected into HPLC–MS-MS equipment. The run time lasted 10 min with a gradient mobile phase. Mass spectrometric analysis was performed in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method was linear for all analytes under investigation with a determination coefficient always better than 0.99. The calibration range for blood and oral fluid was from limits of quantification (LOQs) to 200 ng/mL, whereas that for urine was LOQs to 1000 ng/mL. Recovery and matrix effect were always higher than 80%, whereas intra-assay and inter-assay precision were always better than 19% and accuracy was always within 19% of target in every matrix. Applicability of the method was verified by analysis of samples from real cases.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant cannabinoid present in Cannabis sativa L. It is not associated with psychotropic activity and is capable to mitigate the psychotomimetic effects produced by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The latest cannabis decriminalization policies and the high applicability in therapeutic and technologic-industrial fields, have determined an exponential marketing growth of foods, cosmetics and in particularly medicinal products containing CBD, which are easily available for consumers. Most importantly, on 2018 United States Food and Drug Administration approved CBD oral solution with the trade name of Epidiolex (R) for the treatment of two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, "Lennox-Gastaut syndrome" and "Dravet syndrome", in pediatric patients. The aim of this review was to focus on pharmacology and on legal status of CBD, to highlight the lack of harmonization of international regulatory laws over the marketing authorization of CBD-based products.

Background: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) time courses in serum and physiological and behavioral effects associated with smoking 1 or 4 “light cannabis” cigarettes were studied. Biomarkers to differentiate light cannabis versus illegal and medical cannabis use were also investigated. Methods: Sera were obtained at different times from 6 healthy light cannabis consumers and 6 individuals who smoked 1 and 4 cigarettes, within 4 hours through a liquid–liquid method and analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Results: In serum, minimal THC concentration was observed after a single cigarette smoke, while repeated smoking increased it by 1 order of magnitude. CBD concentrations were higher, but did not increase linearly, probably because it does not preferentially volatilize compared with THC. The highest THC and CBD concentrations were observed 0.5 hours after the start of the smoking of 1 cigarette. Serum THC ranged from 2.7 to 5.9 ng/mL, while serum CBD varied from 5.7 to 48.2 ng/mL. Similarly, the highest THC and CBD concentrations were observed 0.5 hours after the smoking of 4 cigarettes. Specifically, the ranges were THC: 11.0–21.8 ng/mL and CBD: 19.4–35.3 ng/mL. In both cases, the mean THC/CBD concentration ratio ranged from 0.2 to 0.9. There were no significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, but participants who smoked 4 cigarettes experienced severe drowsiness. Conclusions: THC and CBD time courses in the sera of light cannabis smokers were similar to those previously observed in oral fluid and blood. Serum THC/CBD concentration ratio not higher than the mean value of 0.9 might be a useful biomarker to identify use of light cannabis versus that of illegal THC cannabis (where THC/CBD concentration ratios are generally greater than 10) or versus that of medical cannabis (where ratios are greater than 1). Consumers should be advised of possible drowsiness after he repeated smoking of light cannabis cigarettes.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic receptors designed to selectively bind specific molecules, mimicking natural antibody–antigen interactions. Produced through polymerization around a target molecule (template), MIPs create imprints that confer high specificity and binding affinity upon template removal. Initially developed in the 1970s with organic polymers, MIPs now play critical roles in separation sciences, catalysis, drug delivery, and sensor technology. In forensic science, MIPs offer potential for sample preparation, pre-concentration, and analyte detection, especially with complex biological and non-biological matrices. They exhibit superior stability under extreme conditions, enabling their use in challenging forensic contexts such as detecting new psychoactive substances or trace explosives. Despite advantages like reusability and high selectivity, MIPs face limitations in forensic analysis due to their complex synthesis, potential template leakage, and non-specific binding. Moreover, the lack of standardized protocols limits their mainstream adoption, as forensic applications require validated, reproducible methods. This review systematically assesses MIPs in forensic toxicology, focusing on their current capabilities, limitations, and potential for broader integration into forensic workflows. Future research should address standardization and evaluate MIPs’ effectiveness in diverse forensic applications to realize their full potential.