Positive cannabis results in urine and blood samples after consumption of hemp food products.

Based on our own studies, we are in a position to confirm the interesting results of Struempler et al. (1) and Lehmann eta]. (2) regarding the analysis of THCCOOH in urine samples after the consumption of hemp seed oil. In 1996, we were able to analyze tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in hemp seed oils that are available on the German market. In some cases, we found considerable amounts of THC, and our results were published (3). As part of these studies, 13 people consumed between 40 and 90 mL hemp seed oil in one day. We were still able to detect THC carbonic acid, the main product of THC metabolism, in urine samples from test subjects up to 80 h later. We also analyzed blood samples after consumption of hemp seed oil. Blood samples were obtained from another six test subjects every hour after consumption of 40 mL hemp seed oil. One hour after ingestion, THC was already detected in these blood samples. Concentrations up to 6 ng THC/mL serum were obtained. Apart from hemp seed oil, we also examined a variety of other food products that were based on hemp. Positive THC results were obtained with all of the analyzed hemp products. Figure 1 shows the total ion chromatogram of the GC-MS analysis performed on a hemp energy bar, and Figure 2 shows the mass spectrum of THC at 13.025 rain. The main product of THC metabolism, THC carbonic acid, could be analyzed in urine samples of test subjects who had eaten several of these hemp bars (4). Tables I and II show the THC content in the examined hemp food products. The manufacturers of hemp food products should be required to advise customers on the packaging that after consumption of these food products, measurable concentrations of THC or THCCOOH can be found in urine or blood samples. This circumstance might also have forensically relevant consequences in Germany because a change in traffic law is planned. According to this change, a positive cannabis result would be considered a 3500000