Analysis of Cannabis and its Products in the Context Forensic Science

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.