Barry Logan earned a PhD in forensic toxicology from the University of Glasgow. He occupies executive roles as a forensic toxicologist with NMS Labs and the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education. Toxicologist Barry Logan is also an industry expert in designer drugs such as “bath salts” and synthetic cannabinoids.
Synthetic cannabinoids are addictive and toxic psychoactive chemicals illegally manufactured to mimic the effects of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the principle psychoactive chemical in cannabis. When mixed with other chemicals like stimulants or opioids, synthetic cannabinoids exhibit a more severe psychoactive potency compared to natural THC. Synthetic cannabinoids can dull focus while driving due to their sedative effects. The chemicals also impair or delay motor response. Due to their cannabis-like performance deficit effect, synthetic cannabinoids do not facilitate safe driving. Consequently, driving under the influence of synthetic cannabinoids is illegal in the United States.
One case of synthetic cannabinoid impaired driving was published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences in 2014. The study featured a drug-impaired driver who caused a traffic collision. The driver displayed a blank stare for several minutes immediately following the impact, and was unable to respond verbally to questions at that time. A DRE examination of the driver also found a low body temperature.
