Citation

Berry J, Gilbert A, Grodnitzky J. J. Forensic Sci. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Criminalistics Laboratory, Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigations, 2240 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA, 50023.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1556-4029.14130

PMID

31305953

Abstract

Kava is an Oceanic plant in which the root is consumed as a beverage and is becoming increasingly popular. The effects of kava consumption may include sedation, euphoria, and impairment of motor coordination. This article demonstrates kava impairment through four cases of self-reported kava use supported with Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations of each subject. Subject's urines screened negative for common drugs of abuse by immunoassay analysis. Urine from cases 3 and 4 were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which yielded the presence of kavalactones. Subjects exhibited poor driving behavior and signs of intoxication. Indicators of impairment from multiple drug categories, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, CNS stimulants, and cannabis were observed, which may be consistent with the presence of multiple kavalactones and their diverse array of mechanisms of action. The consumption of kava can hinder one's ability to operate a vehicle safely.

© 2019 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Language: en

Keywords

driving under the influence of drugs; drug recognition expert; forensic science; forensic toxicology; kava; kavalactones