Visual Characterization and Identification of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) Seeds

• NCJ Number: 228237
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 59 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2009 Pages: 569-592
• Author(s): Jenna L. Fussell; John I. Thornton; Frederic W. Whitehurst
• Date Published: October 2009
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This research sought to create a visual standard and a basis for comparison for the appearance and identification of marijuana (cannabis sativa) seeds and relate the visual appearance to other seeds.

Abstract

Of the approximately 1,000 seed plant species examined, the Lupine species and the California croton seeds had the most similar appearances to the marijuana (cannabis sativa) seeds, with the seeds of Humulus (hop seeds), being the closest relative to C. sativa. The results of this research benefits members of forensic science and botany communities in regards to the physical identification and appearance comparison of marijuana seeds. Within the forensic science literature, as well as the botanical literature, there is little documentation concerning the identification of marijuana seeds. This study was conducted to create a visual standard and basis for the comparison and identification of seeds of C. sativa based on their appearance. References and appendixes A-D