Phytocannabinoids are constituents of the cannabis plant. Those of particular interest are the psychoactive delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in drug hemp (marijuana, hashish) and cannabidiol (CBD) in THC reduced hemp. Besides the consumption in its natural form, the cannabis plant is also used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products, such as oils, smokable liquids and so-called edibles. Furthermore synthetic cannabinoids as well as half-synthetic cannabinoids such as hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) are increasingly being added to these products.
In recent years, the number and quantity of these mentioned products confiscated by the German customs administration has increased significantly. These seizures are carried out to check whether or not these products are in compliance with the specified legal requirements. In Germany, 5 customs laboratories are responsible for testing the products seized by the German customs administration. These laboratories put a great deal of effort into analytical-chemical testing in order to accomplish this task.
The presentation will start with an overview of the various products and goods submitted for examination, which are very diverse in terms of their composition and appearance. The routinely used analytical techniques will then be explained by selected examples and their possibilities and limitations will be discussed.
The analysis results obtained form the basis for a legal assessment of the products examined. Some examples are presented to provide a brief insight into this procedure.
