Analysis Of Cannabinoids Flashcards
(95 cards)
Give examples of cannabis samples that are used for analysis
Customs and border control services seizures
Seizure made by Royal Cayman Islands police service
Where do the majority of cannabis that we analyze in Canada come from?
Majority of cannabis is imported via boats from Jamaica, where it is cultivated outdoors
How are samples collected for analysis?
Take two random representative samples of the material from each bag
Collect samples of other vegetative matter such as banana or tobacco leaves
Seal two samples in a clean Ziploc bag and label
Transferred to a secure storage area at the lab
Weigh each garbage bag of cannabis material
What happens to samples when analysis is complete?
They returned to RCIPS where they are incinerated
Who can identify cannabis based on its morphological characteristics using microscopy alone?
Only a trained professional botanist
How are other examiners able to identify cannabis?
Must have extensive training and and obtained botanical competency, and they must use other tech techniques in addition to microscopy
Outline the six steps of the cannabis analysis
Visual examination
Olfactory examination [optional)
Weighing the samples
Microscopic examination
Colour test – optional
Qualitative analysis – GC-MS
What does the visual examination consist of?
Record observations of contents of exhibits, noting the number and the markings of all items and observe the sample characteristics
Give examples of of sample characteristics that would be noted in a visual examination
Vegetable matter
Dark resinous matter
Thick oily liquid
Compressed vegetable matter
What is a part of the visual examination that is conducted on herbal products
Note if there are male or female flower present, and if seeds or stalk material is present
What is an old factory examination?
Noting the odour of the sample
Describe the smell of cannabis
Sweet, pungent odour
Skunky
Smell permeates from the room and get into your clothes and hair
Outline the process of weighing the sample
Use certified weights on an electronic balance and make sure to check calibration
If material is visually similar, combine the herbal or resinous material together and weigh together
Obtain a printout of the weight
What type of light microscopy is usually suitable for observing the relevant botanical features on herbal cannabis
Low powered microscopy
20 or 40 times magnification
What must be done if no observations can be made under 20 or 40 times magnification
The sample that must be examined under high-powered light microscopy
400 or 1000 times magnification
What is the minimum amount of things that must be identified for herbal cannabis during the microscopic examination?
You glandular trichomes with attached head must be identified +2 types of hairs if possible
Is a microscopic examination required for oils?
No
What type of documentation needs to be done for the microscopic examination?
Photographs
Record observations by either low or high-powered microscopy on the cannabis examination form
What is the modified Duquenois-Levine test
A screening test for marijuana
When was the D-L test developed and by who?
In the 1930s by Pierre Duquénois
How do you prepare the Duquenois reagen
Add 2 g of vanillin and 2.5 mL of acetaldehyde to 100 mL of ethanol
Outline the seven steps of the D-L test
Add approximately 20 to 50 mg of sample in a glass test tube
Add three drops of the reagent and shake
Add three drops of concentrated hydrochloride and shake
Note any colour change?
Add 1 mL of CHCL3 and vortex
Allowed to settle and separate into two layers
A purple colour transfers into the organic layer indicates marijuana