GRL recently put its knowledge of drug identification procedures to the test in a case involving alleged THC vape liquid. Police seized a vape cart during a traffic stop. Field testing of the liquid extract showed a positive color change indicating the possible presence of marijuana. Frequent readers of the GRL Law blog know that […]
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory recently updated its policies regarding Cannabis testing in light of the 2018 Farm Bill, S.F. 599 and H.F. 2581. Under the new laws, cannabis containing less than 0.3% total THC (Δ9-THC + THCA) is considered hemp. Hemp extracts, including CBD, are no longer controlled substances under state […]
Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a well-known qualitative laboratory technique to separate, detect and identify plant material extracts that have been processed so they longer possess botanical characteristics that can be observed through macro and microscopic analysis. This includes cannabis products like gummies, truffles, bars and other edibles, but also substances like tar, ground plant […]
I recently came across a little-known study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology that raises serious questions regarding whether the gold standard in forensic urine testing could mistake hemp-derived CBD for THC. Many laboratories include derivatization as a part of their sample preparation for analysis by gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Derivatization is the […]
