On April 30 - May 1, 2013, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Drug Enforcement Administration will host a free workshop on the NIST Gaithersburg, Maryland, campus to explore emerging trends in the forensic analysis of synthetic cannabinoids, substituted cathinones, and novel hallucinogens. Workshop presenters and attendees will be forensic chemists, researchers, measurement science experts, statisticians, law enforcement stakeholders, policy makers, and industry representatives.
The increasing popularity of new-age designer drugs across the country is presenting a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies. As federal, state, and local governments attempt to control these synthetic drugs, criminals are able to circumvent legislation by creating new compounds that are not controlled. The information provided during the Emerging Trends in Synthetic Drugs Workshop will highlight early trends, availability of resources, analytical methods employed during the compound characterization/identification process, current research activities, and legislative efforts.
For more information please visit the Emerging Trends in Synthetic Drugs Workshop event page.
