Identifying a suspect powder as a cannabis concentrate through chemical analysis and DNA testing.
Forensic Toxicol
; 42(1): 102-109, 2024 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37603166
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Cannabis is regulated in many countries, and cannabis products are diversifying, which can hinder identification. Here, we report the seizure of a powder sample with a cannabis-like odor in a spice bottle labeled "nutmeg" and identification of the sample by chemical testing and cannabis DNA testing.METHODS:
The sample was observed under a microscope, extracted with methanol, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The chemical profile of the seized powder was compared with that of nutmeg samples. Gas chromatography-flame ionization detection was used to estimate the total Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) concentration in the sample. A commercially available cannabis DNA testing kit was used to confirm the presence of cannabis plant DNA in the seized sample.RESULTS:
The characteristics of cannabis in the seized powder were difficult to determine through microscopic observation alone. GC-MS analysis identified ß-caryophyllene (an aromatic component of cannabis) and five cannabinoids unique to cannabis, including Δ9-THC. No common compounds were identified in the seized powder or nutmeg samples. The total Δ9-THC concentration in the sample was very high (approximately 47% by weight). Cannabis DNA testing confirmed that the seized powder contained cannabis.CONCLUSIONS:
The seized powder was found to be a processed product made from a finely pulverized resin-like cannabis concentrate. Our results indicate that combined chemical and DNA analysis should help identify cannabis-related samples in various forms.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Cannabis
/
Alucinógenos
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Forensic Toxicol
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Japón