Forensic analysis of medical marijuana: a case study = Badania kryminalistyczne marihuany medycznej – studium przypadku

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present the issues of forensic examination of medical marijuana, taking into account possible limitations in forensic expertise and issues related to the material remaining after vaporization. An example, which illustrates the research and procedure to confirm the compliance of the chemical composition of the questioned substance, confiscated during a home search by the police, with the provision on prescriptions for an individual patient, is presented. The issue of medical marijuana vaporization as well as controversy which may arise from the remaining material with high concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), both in relations to its utilizing as well as possible storage of the remaining marijuana by the patient is considered. The obtained results shows the possibility to determine the concentration of key cannabinoids: CBD and THC in questioned dried hemp and comparison with prescription values. Therefore, it is possible to support law enforcement authorities in proceedings related to dried hemp, in particular to distinct whether cannabis are medicinal products declared on prescriptions or packages, or it is a drug prohibited by law. An additional issue that has arisen during the research is the need of regulations to the material remaining after vaporization of medical marihuana to protect patients from the allegation of possession of illegal substance.