Identification and quantification of Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB‐4en‐PINACA in edible products seized by United Kingdom police in 2024

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cannabis edible products are increasingly being sold on the illicit market around the world. Use of these products, typically labelled as containing Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been linked to adverse health effects, particularly amongst adolescents. Here, we aimed to conduct the first study to quantify the THC content of cannabis edibles seized by United Kingdom (UK) police forces. We also sought to identify and quantify other drugs present, perform a visual analysis of packaging designs and evaluate the effectiveness of a field-portable device for rapid drug identification directly from the surface of edible products. DESIGN: Edible products were obtained by convenience sampling from Merseyside and Avon & Somerset police forces during 2024. Sample bias was considered in the analysis and reporting. SETTING AND CASES: A total of 79 individual edibles originating from 31 products were analysed. From 31 products, 24 featured unique packaging designs. For the remaining seven products, duplicate designs were analysed to assess variability. Analysis was performed in laboratory settings at the University of Bath. MEASUREMENTS: Visual inspection of packaging. Screening of edible products using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS/MS). Quantification of THC and the synthetic cannabinoid (SC) MDMB-4en-PINACA using LC-HR-MS/MS following a previously described sample preparation method. Evaluation of a field-portable fluorescence and photochemical degradation-based device for detecting THC and SCs directly on the surface of edible products. RESULTS: Visual analysis revealed 19/24 (79%) edible products unique in design featured packaging that mimicked popular confectionery brands. THC was detected in 70/79 (88.6%) individual edibles analysed with a median dose per edible of 13.71 mg (interquartile range = 8.57 mg). We show that 65/68 (95%) edibles labelled with a claimed THC dose contained less than 55% of content stated. Substantial inter-product variability (e.g. 6.07-29.22 mg THC in edibles labelled as 75 mg) and intra-product variability (dose difference >5 mg THC between items in the same pack for 8/25 packs) were found. One product was shown to contain the SC MDMB-4en-PINACA (mean 11.27 mg/edible) instead of THC. The portable device demonstrated 94% accuracy (100% on solid sweets/chocolates) in identifying THC/SC content compared with LC-HR-MS/MS. SUMMARY: llicit edible products seized in the United Kingdom appear to use misleading packaging attractive to children, appear to exhibit variable and inaccurate Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) dosing and can potentially contain synthetic cannabinoids instead of THC. Field-portable detection technology shows promise for rapid, point-of-care drug identification.