Psychemedics Corporation Launches Synthetic Cannabinoids Hair Test

ACTON, Mass., Aug. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Psychemedics Corporation (NASDAQ: PMD), hair testing pioneer and global scientific leader for over thirty years, announced the launch of its Synthetic Cannabinoids test – a hair test that looks for the compounds found in commonly-abused products such as K2, Spice and Blaze.

Synthetic Cannabinoids are often marketed as a "legal high" alternative to marijuana, and are commonly sold as incense in retail stores, head shops and on the internet. In response to reports of an alarming increase in abuse and overdoses, the Federal Government has classified many synthetic substances as Schedule I drugs under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act -- the same category as heroin and LSD.

The Psychemedics test will be continually updated to address changes in the Synthetic Cannabinoids market, adding additional compounds to the test as they are identified or become prevalent as reported by the scientific, law enforcement and regulatory communities.

The non-invasive testing procedure uses a small sample of hair that is easily collected and shipped to Psychemedics' College of American Pathologists (CAP) and ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certified laboratory. Unlike urinalysis or oral fluid testing which typically detects drug use for only the previous one to three days, Psychemedics hair analysis can detect use over the previous few months.

Advancing The Science Of Hair Testing
Psychemedics believes that it is the first laboratory in the world to develop and market a hair test for Synthetic Cannabinoids for the workplace. Continued advancement in the science of hair testing is critical to Psychemedics, and the development of this new test provides the market with a unique and reliable test that identifies and measures the use of Synthetic Cannabinoids over a period of time.

Raymond C. Kubacki, Chairman and CEO, stated:

"We are excited to be the first hair testing laboratory to announce the availability of a Synthetic Cannabinoids test for the workplace. The abuse of Synthetic Cannabinoids is on the rise, and can have dangerous consequences.  While frequently marketed as 'safe', Synthetic Cannabinoids are responsible for tens of thousands of emergency room visits every year.  Alarmingly, Synthetic Cannabinoids are the second-most abused drug by high school-aged students. 

"For over 30 years, our company has been proud to offer the most effective hair testing technology based upon scientifically validated drug testing methods. This first-of-its-kind technology provides our clients with another method to keep their drug testing programs current as drug challenges change and evolve."

About Psychemedics Corporation
Psychemedics Corporation is the world's largest provider of hair testing for drugs of abuse and has been successfully operating for over 30 years. Thousands of corporations rely on the patented Psychemedics drug testing services. Psychemedics' clients include over 10% of the Fortune 500, some of the largest police departments in America, Federal Reserve Banks, and schools. 

For more information, visit the Psychemedics Corporation website at www.psychemedics.com.

Contact:
Raymond C. Kubacki
Chairman & CEO
(978) 206-8220

Cautionary Statement for purposes of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:  From time to time, information provided by Psychemedics may contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties.  In particular, statements contained in this release that are not historical facts (including but not limited to statements concerning technological changes, technological advantages, regulatory matters, implementation of new testing procedures and processes, research and development, future business and marketing strategies) may be "forward looking" statements.  Actual results may differ from those stated in any forward-looking statements.  Factors that may cause such differences include but are not limited to risks associated with implementation of new testing procedures and methodologies including training, personnel changes, changes in supplier relationships, customer contract provisions and customer relationships, government regulation, including but not limited to FDA regulations, competition and general economic conditions and other factors disclosed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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SOURCE Psychemedics Corporation