NCJ Number
226891
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 556-563
Date Published
May 2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on the creation of a genetic database for the purpose of documenting the genetic diversity of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) in Australia for use in forensic investigations.
Abstract
Based on the genetic analysis of short tandem repeat loci (STR), the database contains genotype data across 10 loci from approximately 500 C. sativa plants that represent drug seizures from 5 Australian States and Territories and a selection of fiber samples. The selection of the 10 loci used in this study was based on the need to use developmentally validated STR loci that most closely matched the standards in human forensic analysis. Despite their lower genetic diversity when compared with fiber samples, a high proportion of drug samples exhibited a unique genotype across the 10 STR loci. These genetically distinct samples were found among field-grown, hydroponic-grown, and pot-grown drug samples, but were most frequent in field-grown samples. Of the total of 106 alleles, 13 percent of the alleles detected were unique to the drug samples. The construction of the genetic database and associated analysis was completed “blind,” with the only information provided with the samples being the varietal type of C. sativa, the State of origin, and the growth type of the drug samples (where known). The patterns of genotype sharing found in the database suggest some variation in the form of drug production within Australia. Ideally, a DNA test for drug versus fiber varieties of C. sativa would be based on the direct analysis of the genes responsible for THC regulation. Until such a test is available, the combination of nuclear STR data with organelle DNA haplotype data may further enhance discrimination among fiber and drug varieties of C. sativa. 2 tables, 4 figures, and 41 references