Medtox begins testing for synthetic marijuana

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Medtox begins testing for synthetic marijuana

Posted by: Wendy Lee under Minnesota innovation, Minnesota technology Updated: September 22, 2010 - 6:00 PM

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St. Paul-based company Medtox Scientific said it has become one of the first U.S. laboratories to offer drug tests that determine whether people have recently used synthetic marijuana. Medtox said it started administering the $60 tests to its clients this week.

Synthetic marijuana is legal in some parts of Minnesota and is marketed under names such as Spice or K2 to be used as incense. The problem is, when people use the products improperly, it can give them the same high as marijuana.

The demand for drug tests for synthetic marijuana is increasing, particularly in probation and parole departments, law enforcement and drug courts, said Jim Schoonover, vice president and chief marketing officer. Already, Medtox has had 15 to 20 clients sign up for the testing. Traditional drug tests will not pick up the synthetic marijuana, Medtox officials said.

Synthetic marijuana has already been declared illegal in some states. Duluth became the first Minnesota city to ban synthetic marijuana.

Medtox’s synthetic marijuana test costs $60 and can be processed in 24 to 48 hours. Schoonover said the only lab he is aware of, that offers a synthetic marijuana test is Redwood Toxicology Laboratory in California.