The present invention provides a method for detecting synthetic indole and
indazole cannabinoids in a sample known or suspected to contain a synthetic indole or
indazole cannabinoid. A deuterated
solvent is added to the
solid sample, creating a suspension. The suspension is mixed to release the
cannabinoid from the
solid sample. The suspension is subject to a NMR
spectroscopy process to produce a sample NMR spectrum. The synthetic
cannabinoid is detected in the suspension by analysis of the sample NMR spectrum. When one-dimensional
proton NMR is used, detection of a first peak between 8.00 and 8.50 ppm and a second peak between 4.00 and 4.40 ppm, indicates the presence of a synthetic indole or
indazole cannabinoid. When two-dimensional Correlation
Spectroscopy (COSY) NMR is used, detection of a first spot between 6.50 and 9.00 ppm and a second spot between 1.50 and 4.50 ppm indicates the presence of a synthetic indole or indazole cannabinoid. The method is performed in the absence of
chromatography and optionally, may be used to quantify the amount of synthetic cannabinoid.