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Identifying a suspect powder as a cannabis concentrate through chemical analysis and DNA testing
Tadashi Yamamuro1, Yusuke Saito2, Yuki Okada3
1National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan. yamamuro@nrips.go.jp.
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 β-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.
