Potency levels of regulated cannabis products in Michigan 2021-2022.


Journal

Journal of forensic sciences
ISSN: 1556-4029
Titre abrégé: J Forensic Sci
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 0375370

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
Nov 2023
Historique:
revised: 06 07 2023
received: 04 04 2023
accepted: 12 07 2023
medline: 27 10 2023
pubmed: 28 7 2023
entrez: 28 7 2023
Statut: ppublish

Résumé

Evaluation of cannabinoid concentrations in products from the legal cannabis market has been fraught with uncertainty. The lack of standardized testing methodology and the susceptibility of cannabinoids to degradation under certain storage conditions complicates the efforts to assess total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels across wide geographic areas. There are few peer-reviewed surveys of cannabinoid concentrations in regulated products. Those that have been done have not characterized the effects of differences in analytical methodology, sample population, and storage conditions. Viridis Laboratories, which operates two cannabis safety compliance facilities in Michigan, has analyzed over 34,000 cannabis products throughout 2021 and 2022 before the sale in the regulated market. Fifteen cannabinoids in cannabis flower, concentrates, and infused products were tested using methanolic extraction and analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection. Methods were validated before use, and the flower analysis procedure was certified by the Association of Analytical Collaboration. All the samples were tested before submission for sale and therefore had not undergone prolonged storage. The results are compared with those seen in other states as well as in the illicit market. Total THC levels in cannabis flower from the regulated market are significantly higher than those seen in illicit products. The distribution of cannabinoid levels is similar in flowers intended for either the medicinal or adult-use markets, with an average potency of 18%-23% of total THC. Total THC in concentrates averages up to 82%. Other cannabinoids are observed at significant levels, mostly in products specifically formulated to contain them. These results may act as a benchmark for potency levels in the regulated market.

Identifiants

pubmed: 37501559
doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.15345
doi:

Substances chimiques

Cannabinoids 0
Hallucinogens 0
Dronabinol 7J8897W37S
Cannabidiol 19GBJ60SN5

Types de publication

Journal Article

Langues

eng

Sous-ensembles de citation

IM

Pagination

1894-1905

Informations de copyright

© 2023 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Références

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Auteurs

Michele A Glinn (MA)

Viridis Laboratories, Lansing, Michigan, USA.

Gregoire P Michaud (GP)

Viridis Laboratories, Lansing, Michigan, USA.

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