The LCGC Blog: Avenues of Circumvention and Issues with Cannabis Products: Δ8-THC, THCA Flower, and Forensics Analysis

Cannabis sativa L. is an herbaceous flowering plant that has garnered attention as a new frontier in modern medicine, based on the presence of various classes of therapeutic phytochemicals, including bioactive cannabinoids (tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] and cannabidiol [CBD]), fragrant terpenes (such as α- and β-pinene), and anti-oxidant flavonoids (for example, anthocyanins). These phytoconstituents can help remedy neurological disorders, metabolic abnormalities, sleep irregularities, and cardiovascular conditions, among others. However, cannabis is not always readily accessible to the general public, since it is still classified as a Schedule I narcotic at the federal level. In states like Texas, with a narrowly-focused medicinal program, access to cannabis medicines is prohibited, unless you are dealing with one of a small subset of medical afflictions, such as epilepsy, that warrant a medical patient card.