Paper: Semisynthetic Cannabinoids Detected in Cannabis-Derived Products in Poland: Statistical Overview, Analytical Challenges, and Legal Interpretative Considerations

Semisynthetic cannabinoids (SSCs) are a novel group of psychoactive substances obtained by chemical modification of phytocannabinoids such as Δ⁹-THC and CBD. Since 2022, their prevalence has rapidly increased on the European illicit drug market, including Poland, where they are mainly detected in cannabis-derived products (plant material, resinous products, e-liquids, and edibles). In this study, 1186 cannabis-type samples seized in Poland (2022-2024) were analyzed at the IFR using GC-MS, UHPLC-PDA, and LC-QTOF/MS. SSCs were found in 113 samples (9.5%), mostly in plant material and resinous products. The predominant compound was hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), consistently detected as a mixture of two epimers, with (9R)-HHC prevailing (typical (9R):(9S) ratio 2.0-2.8:1). In most cases, SSCs were applied to plant material with low Δ⁹-THC content, mainly Chemotypes II and III (approximately 60% of all cases), indicating intentional enrichment of material with limited psychoactive potential. Following legislative changes introduced in Poland in 2023, identifications of controlled SSCs decreased; however, the diversity of noncontrolled compounds increased. Co-occurrence of multiple SSCs, their structural similarity, stereoisomerism, and limited availability or delays in obtaining certified reference standards may complicate routine analysis. Each analytical technique presents specific limitations: GC-MS can cause degradation of acetate forms of SSCs; UHPLC-PDA faces challenges in differentiating compounds with similar UV spectra, whereas LC-QTOF/MS cannot fully distinguish structural or stereoisomeric forms. This study highlights the dynamic nature of the SSC market and the importance of advanced, multimethod analytical approaches for reliable identification.