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Oral or Poster Contributed Presentation

RAM

RAMAN11: Raman Spectroscopy for Security and Forensics Purposes

Investigating Counterfeit Cannabis Edibles using Vibrational Spectroscopy of their Packaging

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
4:50 PM - 5:10 PM EDT
Location: Ballroom E
In fifteen words or less, explain the significance of this contribution (Novel Aspect).: This work analyzes counterfeit cannabis edibles packaging and optimizes a scheme for differentiation using spectroscopy

Abstract Text:

Cannabis edibles are a growing market for cannabis products especially in older demographics [1,2]. But as this market grows it opens opportunities for counterfeit products to enter the market. There are different types of counterfeit cannabis edible products available including high quality, low quality, diverted and burner distro (product sold out the backdoor to the black market). The product quality of all of these different genres of counterfeit has not been scientifically investigated. The goal of this research is to use proven methods of analyzing counterfeit pharmaceutical and cannabis products to optimize an analytical scheme to distinguish counterfeits from the genuine product. Previous research has shown that ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy using the portable Redwave ProtectIR of the packaging shows discrimination between the different types of counterfeit gummies. Currently we are looking into the quality of that discrimination and if there is a significant increase in discrimination when using a benchtop ATR-FT-IR vs. a Portable version. We will also be presenting on the discrimination of the packaging of the counterfeit chocolate products, especially whether different methods are needed for the chocolate packaging (cardboard) vs the gummy packaging (metal tins).

 

[1] Cannabis Consumers in America 2023 Part 1: An overview of consumers today, New Frontier Data, May 2, 2023

[2] Reiman, Amanda, Rise of Edibles: Standardized Dosing and Convenience Meet Growing Consumer Demand, New Frontier Data, June 13, 2023