2023 Volume 28 Issue 1 Pages 43-49
In Japan, forensic examination of cannabis seeds requires proof of “being cannabis” and “being germinable”, and is currently conducted by continuing cultivation of the seeds for several weeks after germination tests and performing morphological observations and chemical analysis on the true leaves. We have previously constructed a rapid and simple method for identification of cannabis seeds by combining the color reaction with DNA testing. In this study, the effectiveness of the cannabis seed identification methods by combining the color reaction, germination test, and DNA testing that does not involve a cultivation process was verified on seized cannabis seeds.
As previously reported, the combination of the color reaction using 2,3,5-Triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium Chloride and DNA testing using a commercial kit proved that the seized materials were germinable cannabis seeds within one day. Furthermore, the germination test, in which the young roots and cotyledons were visually checked one week after sowing, was able to more directly confirm germination ability. In addition, DNA testing was possible for the young roots after germination, indicating that they were cannabis.
This study shows that the methods of cannabis seed identification, which does not involve a cultivation process, are effective even for seized materials whose storage conditions are unknown.
