Identification and imaging of indole-3-carboxamide cannabinoids in hair using matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Purpose Different kinds of new synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have been continuously developed to evade drug monitoring. Segmental hair analysis offers a longer period for retrospective drug detection compared with blood or urine. In this study, matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI-FT ICR MSI) was developed for direct identification and imaging of synthetic indole-3-carboxamide cannabinoids in hair samples using the positive ion mode.