Electrochemical Oxidation of Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol: A Simple Strategy for Marijuana Detection

Recently, it has been estimated that nearly 200 million people use marijuana with growing usage being attributed to the legalization and decriminalization of the drug around the world. A concerning implication of increased marijuana use is the alarming number of individuals who report driving under the influence of the drug, which has prompted the development of detection technologies. An electrochemical-based detection technology, akin to how the alcohol breathalyzer functions, would provide an attractive solution to this growing societal problem. The first step toward this goal is to develop a reaction that converts Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), the primary psychoactive substance in marijuana, to a derivative with diagnostic spectroscopic changes. We report the development of a mild electrochemical method for the oxidation of Δ⁹-THC to its corresponding p-quinone isomer. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the resultant quinone show a dramatic shift in comparison to Δ⁹-THC. This simple protocol provides the foundation for the development of an electrochemical-based marijuana breathalyzer.