What is in cannabis and CBD products?
This version has been translated from Polish and links to the relevant test kits have been added. In a life-threatening situation call 112. This article is informational and serves harm reduction. It does not encourage the use of psychoactive substances and does not replace medical advice.
Cannabis and CBD products usually hold more cannabinoids than the label names. Across 169 lab-tested samples, 86% contained a second compound, and most of those are other cannabinoids rather than adulterants: CBD in 63, delta-8-THC in 41, CBN in 31 and CBG in 28. That matters because a product sold on its THC or CBD figure alone is describing one line of a longer result.
| Detected | Samples |
|---|---|
| CBD | 63 |
| Delta-8-THC | 41 |
| CBN | 31 |
| CBG | 28 |
| Unknown | 22 |
| MDMB-PINACA | 13 |
The row that is not a cannabinoid
MDMB-PINACA in 13 samples is a synthetic cannabinoid, a full agonist at the CB1 receptor where THC is only partial, and it is the reason to test a product you bought legally as well as one you did not. We looked at that market separately, including samples where an accurately labelled CBD flower carried a synthetic sprayed on top.
Which synthetic cannabinoids are on the market
Delta-8, HHC and the semi-legal ones
Delta-8-THC, HHC, THCP and the rest are cannabinoids and they do react with the 4-AP reagent, unlike the synthetics, so the reagent will not separate them from delta-9-THC for you. What separates them is a plate: TLC shows each cannabinoid as its own spot at its own height, which is how a sample sold as high-THC flower turns out to be mostly CBD and CBN, or how delta-8 shows up in a product sold as delta-9.
Single-use cannabinoid test, 3.65 EUR · Cannabinoids and cuts kit, 21.91 EUR · Cannabinoid quantity and identification, 89.58 EUR · How to test CBD flowers, hash and oils
Which test answers which question
The reagent answers whether a cannabinoid is present at all, which is the synthetic question. The plate answers which cannabinoids and how much, which is the potency and the delta-8 question. For flower, hash, oil or vape liquid the sample preparation differs but the plate is the same.
How a TLC test works · How to check THC level · How to test THC and CBD · Cannabinoid quantity and identification, 89,58 EUR
Questions?
Does the 4-AP reagent measure THC content?
No. It indicates that a cannabinoid is present. Content needs a TLC plate against a reference.
Will it tell delta-8 from delta-9?
No. Both are cannabinoids and both react. A plate separates them.
Why is CBN in so many samples?
CBN forms as THC degrades, so a high CBN reading generally indicates age or poor storage.
Can I test vape liquid?
Yes, on a dried drop. The synthetic cannabinoid samples with nicotine in them came from vapes.