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Elisa K Shibuya1, Jorge E Souza Sarkis, Osvaldo Negrini Neto
1Laboratório de Caracterização Química e Isotópica, Centro de Química e Meio Ambiente, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN/CNEN-SP, Av. Lineu Prestes 2242, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-900, Brazil. eshibuya@usp.br
Stable isotope analysis of marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) samples revealed distinct geographic origins in Brazil. This method successfully differentiated cannabis from dry regions versus those with higher rainfall, aiding in origin identification.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Plant Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Cannabis sativa L. cultivation occurs across diverse Brazilian regions with varying climates.
- Climate and water availability significantly influence plant isotopic fractionation.
- Differentiating marijuana origins is crucial for law enforcement and agricultural monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios in marijuana samples from distinct Brazilian regions.
- To determine if isotopic signatures can identify the geographical origin of Cannabis sativa L. in Brazil.
- To correlate isotopic data with regional climatic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Stable isotope ratio analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of carbon and nitrogen.
- Analysis of marijuana samples seized from three major Brazilian production sites.
- Comparison of isotopic data with regional climate and water availability data.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios were observed between marijuana samples from different Brazilian regions.
- Samples from the drier 'Marijuana Polygon' (Pernambuco and Bahia) showed distinct isotopic signatures compared to samples from Mato Grosso do Sul and Pará.
- Isotopic data correlated well with the known climatic conditions, particularly rainfall patterns, of the production sites.
Conclusions:
- Stable isotope analysis is a viable method for identifying the geographical origin of Cannabis sativa L. cultivated in Brazil.
- The distinct isotopic signatures reflect regional climatic differences, especially water availability.
- Seized marijuana samples can be effectively traced to major Brazilian production zones using this technique.
