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Evolution of the Content of THC and Other Major Cannabinoids in Drug-Type Cannabis Cuttings and Seedlings During Growth of Plants*

Benjamin De Backer M.Sc.

Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology, CIRM, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.

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Kevin Maebe M.Sc.,

Kevin Maebe M.Sc.

Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

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Alain G. Verstraete M.D., Ph.D.,

Alain G. Verstraete M.D., Ph.D.

Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

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Corinne Charlier Ph.D.,

Corinne Charlier Ph.D.

Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology, CIRM, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.

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Benjamin De Backer M.Sc.,

Benjamin De Backer M.Sc.

Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology, CIRM, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.

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Kevin Maebe M.Sc.,

Kevin Maebe M.Sc.

Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

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Alain G. Verstraete M.D., Ph.D.,

Alain G. Verstraete M.D., Ph.D.

Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

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Corinne Charlier Ph.D.,

Corinne Charlier Ph.D.

Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology, CIRM, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.

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First published: 05 March 2012

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2012.02068.x

Citations: 71

Additional information and reprint requests:
Benjamin De Backer, M.Sc.
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sart-Tilman B 35
B 4000 Liège
Belgium
E-mail: [email protected]

^†

Financial support provided by the Belgian Science Policy (Belspo), GEOCAN Project DR-00-48.

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Abstract

Abstract: In Europe, authorities frequently ask forensic laboratories to analyze seized cannabis plants to prove that cultivation was illegal (drug type and not fiber type). This is generally done with mature and flowering plants. However, authorities are often confronted with very young specimens. The aim of our study was to evaluate when the chemotype of cannabis plantlets can be surely determined through analysis of eight major cannabinoids content during growth. Drug-type seedlings and cuttings were cultivated, sampled each week, and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The chemotype of clones was recognizable at any developmental stage because of high total Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations even at the start of the cultivation. Conversely, right after germination seedlings contained a low total THC content, but it increased quickly with plant age up, allowing chemotype determination after 3 weeks. In conclusion, it is not necessary to wait for plants’ flowering to identify drug-type cannabis generally cultivated in Europe.

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Volume57, Issue4

July 2012

Pages 918-922

Evolution of the Content of THC and Other Major Cannabinoids in Drug-Type Cannabis Cuttings and Seedlings During Growth of Plants*

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Evolution of the Content of THC and Other Major Cannabinoids in Drug-Type Cannabis Cuttings and Seedlings During Growth of Plants*

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