RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY IN FORENSIC SCIENCE: DEVELOPMENTS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN CANNABINOID ANALYSIS
Keywords:
Raman Spectroscopy, Forensic Engineering, Analytical Techniques, Cannabinoids Analysis, Cannabis Sativa, Cannabinoid Detection, Forensic ToxicologyAbstract
Raman spectroscopy has become a central, non-destructive tool in forensic science, valued for its chemical specificity, operational simplicity, and compatibility with evidentiary procedures. This review surveys its application to cannabis, covering plant material characterisation, detection of cannabinoids in human samples, and recent methodological advances. In the domain of plant analysis, Raman methods encompass a range of applications, from cellular-scale microscopy to portable, field-based classification systems. These methodologies facilitate varietal discrimination, chemotype verification, and the early detection of abiotic and nutrient stress. In human matrices, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been demonstrated to enable sensitive, minimally invasive detection in saliva, plasma, and blood, with chemometric processing serving to strengthen the detection process. Emerging trends in the field, such as chemometrics, computational modeling and artificial intelligence, are leading to significant advancements in the areas of classification, quantification and spectral interpretability. Furthermore, the development of specialized approaches, including alternative excitation regimes and advanced sampling geometries, is extending the utility of analytical methods to complex or concealed materials. Collectively, these advancements establish Raman spectroscopy as a rapid, portable, and legally robust platform for cannabis-related forensic work in both laboratory and field settings.
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