Switzerland: A student develops a test that analyzes cannabis in less than a minute

Florentin Coppey, a Swiss doctoral student at the Ecole des Sciences Criminelles de l’University of Lausanne (UNIL), has developed a highly effective tool for analyzing the THC and CBD content of cannabis. A special feature of the device is its ability to analyze two cannabis samples in less than a minute. In the laboratory, this process usually takes several hours.

A machine that separates «legal» and «illegal» cannabis»

The cannabinoid test, which takes the form of a tablet, actually comes from the USA. It is used there by hemp growers to test the THC content of their crops. Florentin Coppey has recalibrated the device to bring it into line with Swiss legal levels, i.e. less than 1% THC, according to our Swiss confrères de la Tribune de Genève, contacted by us.

How does the test work?

Simply insert a weed head into the machine and launch the built-in software. 10 seconds later, watch in hand, the machine reveals the results: the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC ), and the cannabidiol (CBD) contained in the sample are displayed.

The result makes it possible to distinguish between legal cannabis (less than 1% THC) and illegal cannabis. The device was tested on minors at the Paléo Festival as a preventive measure, with excellent results.

A boon for the police?

In addition to being fast and efficient, this device is very easy to use. In Switzerland, the police were having trouble finding out whether cannabis was legal or not, because the country allows cannabis with less than 1% THC. Unless time-consuming and costly laboratory tests were carried out, it was impossible to determine this with the naked eye and at no cost. In case of suspicion, seized cannabis was analyzed. If it was legal, the analysis costs were paid by the company. If not, the offender had to foot the bill.

Jean-Christophe Sauterel, spokesman for the Swiss police force, commented: «Our first contact with this device has been conclusive and positive. Its main advantage is its speed and non-destructive nature». Weed samples come out of the device intact, and can be returned to the consumer if everything is in order.

The machine is not yet approved for use as evidence by the courts, which have shown a particular interest in the test. The device could also be used to analyze other drugs, fake medicines and doping products.

Mehdi Bautier