Abstract

JOOSTE, J et al. The implications of the use of cannabidiol-related products in a safety-sensitive drug testing environment: A medical-legal perspective. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2021, vol.111, n.10, pp.942-945. ISSN 2078-5135.  https://doi.org/10.7196/samj.2021.v111i10.15866.

Cannabis access laws allow for the use of cannabis in private and the trade, purchase and use of hemp-related products as a complementary medicine and for other benefits. Cannabidiol (CBD) has the treatment potential for several conditions but, with the lack of resources in South Africa to maintain the legislation, products contaminated with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (A⁹-THC) are sold by some suppliers who do not comply with the legislative provisions in terms of the threshold concentrations for A⁹-THC. This dilemma complicates a medical review officer's decision regarding intentional use of A⁹-THC or otherwise, since a CBD user may have purchased the product legally and in good faith. Hemp- and CBD-containing products were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and compliance was assessed for CBD and A⁹-THC purity against the legislative thresholds. A strategy based on metabolite ratios is suggested to distinguish between intentional or irresponsible cannabis use and legitimate CBD use.

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