Cannabis is one of the most extensively abused psychoactive substances worldwide, which is primarily detected by its active compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoid detection in the biological matrices, such as urine, holds a significant importance in both forensically as well as clinical settings for monitoring drug abuse, establishing consumption of cannabis and its derivatives recently, and supporting the medico-legal investigations. This review aims to explore and evaluate various analytical methods used for the detection of various cannabinoids and their derivatives in various biological samples, particularly urine samples from the perspective of forensic. The main objective is to highlight the reliability, sensitivity, and applicability of various analytical techniques that are employed in forensic laboratories. The methodologies, including both preliminary as well as confirmatory techniques such as immunoassay-based screening tests (RIA, ELISA, etc.), chromatography (such as GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC-MS, HPTLC), spectroscopy (FTIR, MS, etc.) have been studied in the review. Immunoassays being rapid and cost-effective for screening, are considered advantageous, but may often suffer cross-reactivity and false positives, therefore need confirmatory methods. Whereas the chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, are more accurate, specific, and selective, but require a sophisticated instrumentation, skilled labor, and greater operational costs. According to a forensic perspective, use of confirmatory methods ensures both reliability as well as admissibility of an evidence in any legal proceeding. Overall, the review underlines the fact that the balanced application of the above analytical techniques is crucial to overcome limitations and to provide a scientifically-valid results.
Monika Thakur*1, Chanakya Mehta 1, Dr. Dalbir Singh2 (Tue,) studied this question.