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01-07-2012 | Original Article

The validation of a 15 STR multiplex PCR for Cannabis species

Authors: Stephan Köhnemann, Johanna Nedele, Daniela Schwotzer, Julia Morzfeld, Heidi Pfeiffer

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 4/2012

Abstract

Trade and acquisition of Cannabis drugs are illegal in many countries worldwide; nevertheless, crimes related with these drugs are a major problem for the investigative authorities. With this manuscript, we want to introduce a 15 short tandem repeat (STR) Cannabis marker set that can be amplified in one PCR reaction. This multiplex PCR is specific to Cannabis species and combines highly informative STR markers. The 15 STR multiplex is easy to use and was validated according to common laboratory quality standards. Due to the fact that a lot of Cannabis plants are cultivated by clonal propagation and may show aneuploidy, polyploidy or multiple gene loci, it is not possible to apply biostatistics that follow the Hardy–Weinberg law. However, this multiplex will help the police to trace back trade routes of drug syndicates or dealers and it can help to link Cannabis plants to a crime scene.

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Title: The validation of a 15 STR multiplex PCR for Cannabis species
Authors: Stephan Köhnemann
Johanna Nedele
Daniela Schwotzer
Julia Morzfeld
Heidi Pfeiffer
Publication date: 01-07-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-012-0706-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The validation of a 15 STR multiplex PCR for Cannabis species

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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