AUTHOR=ElSohly Mahmoud A. , Majumdar Chandrani G. , Chandra Suman , Radwan Mohammed M. 

TITLE=A 10-year trend in cannabis potency (2013–2022) in different geographical regions of the United States of America

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1442522

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1442522

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=The prevalence of marijuana as the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States and around the glove is well-documented. Studies have highlighted a noticeable uptrend in the potency of cannabis in the United states. This report examines the concentration of cannabinoids in illicit cannabis samples seized by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) over the last ten years (2013 to 2022).Samples received during the course of study (2013 to 2022) were categorized based on the geographical region where collected, as Western Region, Midwest Region, North East Region, South East Region, Southern Region as well as Alaska and Hawaii. These samples were processed for analysis using a validated gas chromatography with flame ionization detector method.The data showed that the cannabinoids profile of all high  9 -THC cannabis samples, regardless of the state or region from which the samples are seized or the state from which the sample is produced under a state medical marijuana program, is basically the same with the major cannabinoid being  9 -THC (>10% for most samples) and all other cannabinoids with less than 0.5%, with the exception of CBG (<1%) and CBN (<1%).Overall, it appears the cannabinoids profile is controlled by the genetics of the plant and is not affected much by the geographical location in which the plants are cultivated.