[Chemical content of street cannabis].
BACKGROUND
There is little information available about the real content of cannabis consumed in France.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the chemical content, including adulterants and contaminants, and potency of cannabis samples obtained from end-users.


METHODS
Samples of resins considered by users to produce "unusual" effects were collected from habitual consumers and chemically analyzed.


RESULTS
Thirty-seven samples were obtained. Average THC content was 8.8%. The effects reported by users were consistent with the THC content. Apart from an unidentified fatty substance found in two samples, no adulteration was found.


CONCLUSIONS
This study, which relied on volunteers, enabled us to collect samples considered abnormal by experienced users. It did not confirm the numerous anecdotes of adulteration.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that this study should be widened to monitor the current chemical contents of cannabis derivatives available in France. The impact of providing users with the results remains to be evaluated.
Le Vu
Stéphane
S
Mission XBT, Médecins du Monde, Paris (75). s.levu@laposte.net
Aquatias
Sylvain
S
Bonnet
Nicolas
N
Debrus
Marie
M
Fournier
Gilbert
G
Beauverie
Patrick
P
D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000032:analysis; D002188:Cannabis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004340:Drug Contamination; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology
D002186:Cannabinoids