Common Police Field Test Mistakes CBD for Marijuana
Police have historically relied on the Duquénois-Levine (D-L) colorimetric field test to presumptively identify botanical material as Cannabis for the purpose of arresting a suspect for possession of marijuana. The reagent used in the D-L test reacts with a particular part of the THC molecule producing an intense violet color that is readily identifiable by law enforcement at the roadside. However, the D-L test is not specific for just THC. Many other cannabinoids, including hemp-derived extracts such as CBD, will yield similar purple hues in the presence of the reagent. Of course, these extracts are not marijuana under Iowa law, but […]
