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Abstract
This review examines the concentration of seven major cannabinoids, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), in illicit herbal cannabis products seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) over the last 10 years in the United States. Cannabis samples received from DEA regional laboratories were analyzed by a validated gas chromatography with flame ionization detection method, and the results are given in the report. A total of 14,234 samples of herbal cannabis have been analyzed over the last 10 years (between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019). The number of samples received over the last 5 to 6 years has decreased dramatically owing to the legalization of marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes in many U.S. states. The results showed that the mean Δ9-THC concentration has increased over the last 10 years, from 9.75% in 2009 to 14.88% in 2018 and 13.88% in 2019. The mean Δ9-THC:CBD ratio rose substantially from 24.81 in 2009 to 103.48 in 2017. A decrease in THC:CBD ratio was recorded in the last 2 years, 54.39 in 2018 and 24.58 in 2019, indicating the trend in the production of more high-CBD–containing products. Our results showed an overall increase in potency of illicit cannabis, from approximately 10% in 2009 to approximately 14% in 2019. These results are in agreement with other potency monitoring programs in several European countries. There appears to be a recent trend of the inclusion of higher CBD levels containing chemovars in illicit cannabis.
Methods and Materials
A total of 14,234 samples of herbal cannabis have been analyzed over the last 10 years. All samples analyzed in this investigation were confiscated during 2009 through 2019 by the DEA and provided by DEA regional laboratories. Samples were classified according to their physical characteristics into the following categories. All samples were received as the raw plant material, which could be classified into marijuana, sinsemilla, Thai sticks, and ditch weed.
Results and Discussion
As a part of the potency monitoring program, samples of confiscated cannabis are submitted by different drug enforcement agencies that include DEA and state narcotic agents. Different types of cannabis samples including buds, sinsemilla, kilo-bricks, loose marijuana, hashish, and hash oil are submitted. In this review, the focus is on data from samples submitted by DEA regional laboratories and only on herbal cannabis products. A total of 14,234 samples of herbal cannabis have been submitted
