Analysis of Cannabis and its Products in the Context Forensic Science
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32353/khrife.1.2024.06Keywords:
cannabis; phytocannabinoids; extraction; identification; quantitative definition; gas chromatography; liquid chromatography; nuclear magnetic resonance method; methods of vibrational spectroscopy.Abstract
Legalization of low-tetrahydrocannabinol-high-cannabidiol cannabis plants is gaining momentum due to growing demand for these products. In some countries, the testing of cannabis and products containing it is a legal requirement: cannabis is identified, the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol or cannabidiol and their precursor acids is assessed. Current research requires more sensitive and reliable analytical methods for accurate identification and quantification of cannabis components. This article purpose is to review the latest advances in the scientific literature on the isolation and analysis of cannabis and cannabis-containing products in the context of forensic science. Research methods included analysis of information on this topic using search engines, including Google, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Search requests took into account scientific, analytical and statistical reports in the field of forensic research. Since the forensic expert must be well-versed in modern trends in the analysis of prohibited substances and use the latest data from the analytical and forensic literature in his work, such information will help them choose research methods, taking into account the actual resources and equipment of forensic laboratories. According to the article purpose, advantages and disadvantages of existing methods of extraction and analysis of objects containing cannabis for identification, quantification, profiling and age estimation of cannabis are considered.
References
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Mariottі, K. C., Marcelo, M. C. A., Ortiz, R. S., Borille, B. T., dos Reis, M., Fett, M. S., Ferrão, M. F., Limberger, R. P. (2016). Seized Cannabis Seeds Cultivated in Greenhouse: A Chemical Study by Gas Hromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Chemometric Analysis. Science & Justice. Vol. 56. DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2015.09.002.
McRae, G., Melanson, J. E. (2020). Quantitative Determination and Validation of 17 Canna-binoids in Cannabis and Hemp Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrome-try. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Vol. 412. No. 27. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02862-8.
Micalizzi, G., Vento, F., Alibrando, F., Donnarum-ma, D., Dugo, P., Mondello, L. (2021). Canna-bis Sativa L.: A comprehensive review on the analytical methodologies for cannabinoids and terpenes characterization. Journal of Chromatography A. Jan 25:1637:461864. DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461864.
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Sgrò, S., Lavezzi, B., Caprari, C., Polito, M., D’Elia, M., Lago, G., Furlan, G., Girotti, S., Ferri, E. N. (2021). Delta9-THC Determination by the EU Official Method: Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty and Compliance Assessment of Hemp Samples. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Vol. 413. No. 13. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03283-x.
Slosse, A., Van Durme, F., Samyn, N., Mangelings, D., Vander Heyden, Yv. (2021). Gas Chromatographic Fingerprint Analysis for the Comparison of Seized Сannabis Samples. Molecules. Vol. 26. Is. 21. Art. 6643. DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216643.
Stefkov, G., Cvetkovikj Karanfilova, I., Stoilkov-ska Gjorgievska, V., Trajkovska, A., Geskovski, N., Karapandzova, M., Kulevanova, S. (2022). Analytical Techniques for Phytocan-nabinoid Profiling of Cannabis and Canna-bis-Based Products — A Comprehensive Re-view. Molecules. Vol. 27. Is. 3. Art. 975. DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030975.
Valizadehderakhshan, M., Shahbazi, A., Kazem-Rostami, M., Todd, M. S., Bhowmik, A., Wang, L. (2021). Extraction of Cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp) — Review. Agriculture. Vol. 11. Is. 5. Art. 384. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture11050384.
Appley, M. G., Chambers, M. I., Musah, R. A. (2021). Quantification of Hordenine in a Complex Plant Matrix by Direct Analysis in Real Time-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: Application to the “Plant of Concern” Sceletium Tortuosum. Drug Testing and Analysis. Vol. 14. Is. 4. DOI: 10.1002/dta.3193.
Borges, G. R., Birk, L., Scheid, C., Morés, L., Carasek, E., Kitamura, R. O. S., Roveri, F. L. et al. (2020). Simple and Straightforward Analysis of Cannabinoids in Medicinal Products by Fast-GC-FID. Forensic Toxicology. Vol. 38. DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00522-1.
Brighenti, V., Pellati, F., Steinbach, M., Maran, D., Benvenuti, S. (2017). Development of a New Extraction Technique and HPLC Method for the Analysis of Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids in Fibre-Type Cannabis Sativa L. (Hemp). Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Vol. 143. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2017.05.049.
Calvi, L., Pentimalli, D., Panseri, S., Giupponi, L., Gelmini, F., Beretta, G., Vitali, D., Bruno, M., Zilio, E., Pavlovic, R., Giorgi, A. (2018). Comprehensive Quality Evaluation of Medical Cannabis Sativa L. Inflorescence and Macerated Oils Based on HS-SPME Coupled to GC-MS and LC-HRMS (q-exactive Оrbitrap®) Approach. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Vol. 150. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2017.11.073.
Cardenia, V., Toschi, T. G., Scappini, S., Rubino, R. C., Rodriguez-Estrada, M. T. (2018). Development and Validation of a Fast Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Method for the Determination of Cannabinoids in Cannabis Sativa L. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis. Vol. 26 (4). DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2018.06.001.
CBOL Plant Working Group, Hollings-worth, P. M., Forrest, L. L., Little, D. P. (2009). A DNA Barcode for Land Plants. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. Vol. 106. Is. 31. DOI: 10.1073/ pnas.0905845106.
Chang, Ch.-W., Tung, Ch.-W., Tsai, Ch.-Ch., Wu, Yu-T., Hsu, M.-Ch. (2017). Determination of Cannabinoids in Hemp Nut Products in Taiwan by HPLC-MS/MS Coupled with Chemometric Analysis: Quality Evaluation and a Pilot Human Study. Drug Testing and Analysis. No. 9. DOI: 10.1002/dta.2062.
Christinat, N., Savoy, M.-C., Mottier, P. (2020). Development, Validation and Application of a LC-MS/MS Method for Quantification of 15 Cannabinoids in Food. Food Chemistry. Vol. 318. Art. 126469. DOI: 10.1016/j. foodchem.2020.126469.
Ciolino, L. A., Ranieri, T. L., Taylor, A. M. (2018). Commercial cannabis consumer products part 1: GC-MS qualitative analysis of cannabis cannabinoids. Forensic Science International. Vol. 289. DOI: 10.1016/j. forsciint.2018.05.032.
Citti, C., Russo, F., Sgrò, S., Gallo, A., Zanotto, A., Forni, F., Vandelli, M. A., Laganà, A., Montone, C. M., Gigli, G., Cannazza, G. (2020). Pitfalls in the analysis of phytocannabinoids in cannabis inflorescence. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Vol. 412. No. 17. Art. 4009—4022. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02554-3.
Cuttler, C., LaFrance, E. M., Stueber, A. (2021). Acute effects of high-potency cannabis flower and cannabis concentrates on everyday life memory and decision making. Scientific Reports. Vol. 11. No. 1. Art. 13784. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93198-5.
De Leite, J. A., de Oliveira, M. V. L., Conti, R., de S. Borges, W., Rosa, Th. R., Filguei-ras, P. R., Lacerda, Jr. V., Romão, W., Neto, Á. C. (2018). Extraction and isolation of cannabinoids from marijuana seizures and characterization by 1H NMR allied to chemometric tools. Science & Justice. Vol. 58. Is. 5. DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2018.06.005.
De Vita, D., Madia, V. N., Tudino, V., Saccoliti, F., De Leo, A., Messore, A., Roscilli, P., Botto, A., Pindinello, I., Santilli, G. et al. (2019). Comparison of Different Methods for the Extraction of Cannabinoids from Cannabis. Natural Product Research. Vol. 34 (20). DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1601194.
Deidda, R., Dispas, A., De Bleye, Ch., Hubert, Ph., Ziemons, É. (2021). Critical review on recent trends in cannabinoid determination on cannabis herbal samples: From chromatographic to vibrational spectroscopic techniques. Analytica Chimica Acta. May 29:1209:339184. DOI: 10.1016/j. aca.2021.339184.
Delgado-Povedano, M. M., Sánchez-Carnerero Callado, C., Priego-Capote, F., Ferreiro-Vera, C. (2020). Untargeted Characterization of Extracts from Cannabis Sativa L. Cul-tivars by Gas and Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry in High Resolution Mode. Talanta. Vol. 208. Art. 120384. DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.120384.
Deville, M., Dubois, N., Denooz, R., Charlier, C. (2020). Validation of an UHPLC/DAD Method for the Determination of Cannabinoids in Seized Materials: Analysis of 213 Samples Sold in Belgian CBD shops. Forensic Science International. Vol. 310. Art. 110234. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110234.
Duchateau, C., Kauffmann, J.-M., Canfyn, M., Stévigny, C., De Braekeleer, K., Deconinck, E. (2020). Discrimination of legal and illegal Cannabis spp. according to European legislation using near infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics. Drug Testing and Analysis. Vol. 12. No. 9. DOI: 10.1002/dta.2865.
ElSohly, M. A., Chandra, S., Radwan, M., Majumdar, Ch. G., Church, J. C. (2021). A Comprehensive Review of Cannabis Potency in the United States in the Last Decade. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging. Vol. 6. No. 6. DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.12.016.
European Drug Report 2023: Trends and Developments (2023). Lisbon : EMCDDA. URL: https://www.emcdda. europa.eu/ index_en.
Mandrioli, M., Tura, M., Scotti, S., Toschi, T. G. (2019). Fast Detection of 10 Сannabinoids by RP-HPLC-UV Method in Cannabis sativa L. Molecules. Is. 24. No. 11. Art. 2113. DOI: 10.3390/molecules24112113.
Mariottі, K. C., Marcelo, M. C. A., Ortiz, R. S., Borille, B. T., dos Reis, M., Fett, M. S., Ferrão, M. F., Limberger, R. P. (2016). Seized Cannabis Seeds Cultivated in Greenhouse: A Chemical Study by Gas Hromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Chemometric Analysis. Science & Justice. Vol. 56. DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2015.09.002.
McRae, G., Melanson, J. E. (2020). Quantitative Determination and Validation of 17 Canna-binoids in Cannabis and Hemp Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrome-try. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Vol. 412. No. 27. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02862-8.
Micalizzi, G., Vento, F., Alibrando, F., Donnarum-ma, D., Dugo, P., Mondello, L. (2021). Canna-bis Sativa L.: A comprehensive review on the analytical methodologies for cannabinoids and terpenes characterization. Journal of Chromatography A. Jan 25:1637:461864. DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461864.
Mudge, E. M., Murch, S. J., Brown, P. N. (2017). Leaner and Greener Analysis of Cannabinoids. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Vol. 409. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0256-3.
Recommended methods for the identification and analysis of Cannabis and Cannabis products (2022) / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. March 2022. URL: h t t p s : // w w w.u n o d c .o r g / u n o d c /e n / scientists/recommended-methods-for-the-identification-and-analysis-of-cannabis-and-cannabis-products.html.
Rovetto, L. J., Aieta, N. V. (2017). Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Cannabinoids from Cannabis Sativa L. The Journal of Supercritical Fluids. Vol. 129. DOI: 10.1016/j. supflu.2017.03.014.
Sanchez, L., Filter, C., Baltensperger, D., Kurouski, D. (2020). Confirmatory non-invasive and non-destructive differentiation between hemp and cannabis using a hand-held Raman spectrometer. Royal Society of Chemistry Advances. Vol. 10. Is. 6. DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08225E.
Sánchez-Carnerero Callado, C., Núñez-Sánchez, N., Casano, S., Ferreiro-Vera, C. (2018). The potential of near infrared spectroscopy to estimate the content of cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L.: A comparative study. Talanta. Vol. 90. No. 1. DOI: 10.1016/j. talanta.2018.07.085.
Sgrò, S., Lavezzi, B., Caprari, C., Polito, M., D’Elia, M., Lago, G., Furlan, G., Girotti, S., Ferri, E. N. (2021). Delta9-THC Determination by the EU Official Method: Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty and Compliance Assessment of Hemp Samples. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Vol. 413. No. 13. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03283-x.
Slosse, A., Van Durme, F., Samyn, N., Mangelings, D., Vander Heyden, Yv. (2021). Gas Chromatographic Fingerprint Analysis for the Comparison of Seized Сannabis Samples. Molecules. Vol. 26. Is. 21. Art. 6643. DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216643.
Stefkov, G., Cvetkovikj Karanfilova, I., Stoilkov-ska Gjorgievska, V., Trajkovska, A., Geskovski, N., Karapandzova, M., Kulevanova, S. (2022). Analytical Techniques for Phytocan-nabinoid Profiling of Cannabis and Canna-bis-Based Products — A Comprehensive Re-view. Molecules. Vol. 27. Is. 3. Art. 975. DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030975.
Valizadehderakhshan, M., Shahbazi, A., Kazem-Rostami, M., Todd, M. S., Bhowmik, A., Wang, L. (2021). Extraction of Cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp) — Review. Agriculture. Vol. 11. Is. 5. Art. 384. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture11050384.
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2024-03-29
How to Cite
Kuchynska, I. (2024). Analysis of Cannabis and its Products in the Context Forensic Science. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science and Criminalistics, 34(1), 92–110. https://doi.org/10.32353/khrife.1.2024.06
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