Characterising a New Cannabis Trend: Extensive Analysis of Semi‐Synthetic Cannabinoid‐Containing Seizures From Germany
Marica Hundertmark, Laura Besch, J. Röhrich, Tanja Germerott, Cora Wunder
Abstract
ABSTRACT In May 2022, semi‐synthetic cannabinoids (SSC) appeared on the European drug market, claiming to offer a legal alternative with cannabimimetic effects. Since then, the use of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has quickly become very popular and derivatives, among them heptyl‐analogs with prolonged alkyl‐sidechains and acetylated forms, have appeared. First HHC‐bans were introduced in some EU countries in early 2023. As only limited data is available on this dynamic consumption trend, this study aims to analyse a seizure collective comprehensively. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was validated for quantification of (R,S)‐HHC, Δ 8 ‐THC, Δ 9 ‐THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, (R,S)‐HHC‐O and CBN‐O and applied to a collective of 80 SSC‐containing products including flowers, resins, edibles, vape liquids and papers. Further derivatives, among them (R,S)‐HHCP, Δ 9 ‐THCP, Δ 8 ‐THCP, (R,S)‐HHCP‐O, (R,S)‐H4CBD, THC‐O and THCP‐O were qualitatively evaluated. HHC‐content was characterised by extreme fluctuations from <LOQ up to 70.9 wt‐%. Δ 9 ‐THC was detected in most seizures, with around a quarter of samples exceeding the EU‐legal limit for hemp (< 0.3 wt‐% Δ 9 ‐THC). Δ 8 ‐THC was rarely found in elevated levels which might indicate residues of HHC‐synthesis. H4CBD was the most frequently detected SSC‐derivative, followed by heptyl‐analogs. Acetates played a minor role and were usually only detected in traces, while elevated levels occurred rarely. Unusual cannabinoid compositions were detected in cannabis carrier material, including extreme CBD‐concentrations (up to 67.3 wt‐%) and CBG‐dominant cultivars. Systematic investigation of seizures provides information for assessing the risk to consumers and is a valuable basis for the interpretation of findings in biological material.