Marijuana or Hemp: From Farm Bill to Forensic Analysis

Attendees will hear from experts in agricultural policy, hemp industry analytical testing, and the DEA Special Testing and Research laboratory to obtain a better understanding of the issues that have developed within the field of forensic drug testing since the signing of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 Farm Bill”).  This webinar will provide a history of US farm policy as it relates to the legalities of hemp and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  Information on farming and quality testing used by the hemp industry will be presented.  The DEA will share their revised and enhanced forensic testing program for the effective and efficient identification of suspected marijuana submissions.

Detailed Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the 2018 Farm Bill, which created a USDA-administered hemp program, requiring the USDA to establish a regulatory framework to monitor compliance and regulate hemp production.
2. Understand the difference between Δ9-THC and Δ9-THCA, along with the testing and quality systems being used within the hemp and marijuana industries.
3. Provide the audience with an overview of the new analysis protocol implemented in DEA laboratories to efficiently identify marijuana submissions.