What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: THC.

Where was this research published?

Published in Journal of forensic sciences on September 16, 2026.

Chemical testing finds wide variation in synthetic THC products

Q: What did this research study find?

Researchers developed and validated *HPLC-UV* methods for measuring **seven *THC* isomers**, plus *THCP* and *HHC* compounds in commercial products.

HPLC-UV quantitation of synthetically derived THC, THCP, and HHC isomers in commercial vaping liquids and edibles (2019-2024).

Journal of forensic sciences • September 16, 2026 • Highly Relevant

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AI Summary

This abstract-based laboratory study examined commercially available, synthetically derived THC products submitted for testing between 2019 and 2024. The researchers analyzed vaping liquids, dabs, gummies, and other candies—not people or animals—and developed and validated high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) methods to measure seven THC positional isomers, along with THCP and HHC isomers. The study was analytical rather than a human safety or efficacy trial.

The tested products contained varied combinations of synthetic cannabinoid isomers. Total THC isomer concentrations ranged from 25–96% by weight in vaping liquids and dabs, while gummies contained 57–321 mg per gummy and other candy pieces contained 13–24 mg per piece. The highest reported concentration came from a combined THC/HHC product containing 649 mg of Δ8-THC per gummy and 791 mg per gummy of total combined THC/HHC isomers. These results show substantial variation in cannabinoid composition and concentration among submitted commercial products. However, this abstract does not establish how representative the products were of the wider market, nor does it determine the products’ effects, clinical risks, or the accuracy of labeling; reported adverse events were described as background rather than measured outcomes of this analysis.

💡 Key Findings

Researchers developed and validated HPLC-UV methods for measuring seven THC isomers, plus THCP and HHC compounds in commercial products.

High

90%

Among submitted vaping liquids and dabs, total THC isomer content ranged from 25–96% by weight.

High

90%

Reported edible concentrations varied widely: 57–321 mg per gummy and 13–24 mg per candy piece for total THC isomers.

High

90%

The highest reported product concentration was a combined THC/HHC gummy containing 649 mg of Δ8-THC per gummy and 791 mg per gummy of total combined THC/HHC isomers.

High

90%

📄 Original Abstract

Synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, including vaping liquids and edibles, are widely available in the US. Serious adverse events associated with the use of THC products are reported in large-scale studies for both adults and children and include intoxication, psychosis, encephalopathy, CNS depression, respiratory failure, and acute cardiovascular emergencies. Between 2019 and 2024, a variety of synthetically derived "Δ9-THC" and "Δ8-THC" products were submitted for quantitative THC analysis. The products contained various combinations of seven positional THC isomers: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), Δ6a10a-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ6a10a-THC), Δ10-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ10-THC), Δ4(8)-iso-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ4(8)-iso-THC), Δ8-iso-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-iso-THC), and exo-tetrahydrocannabinol (exo-THC). Several products contained THC isomers in combination with tetrahydrocannabiphorols (THCPs) or hexahydrocannabinols (HHCs). A series of quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) methods for THCs, THCPs, and HHCs was developed and validated. The methods use ACE Excel mixed C18-aromatic 3.0-micron or Cosmocore/Cosmosil cholesterol-ligand-based 2.6/2.5-micron columns. Optimized resolution for the THC isomers was obtained using ternary mobile phases containing methanol, acetonitrile, and acetic acid buffer and a 45°C column temperature. Representative data for synthetically derived cannabinoid products analyzed over a five-year period are provided. Total THC isomer contents for vaping liquids and dabs ranged from 25 to 96% w/w. Total THC isomer contents for gummies and other candies ranged from 57-321 mg/gummy or 13-24 mg/candy piece, respectively. The highest amount of cannabinoids was found in a THC/HHC combination product with a Δ8-THC content of 649 mg/gummy and a total combined THC/HHC isomers content of 791 mg/gummy.