Preserving the integrity of Cannabis sativa tissues is a major challenge in forensic casework, particularly in field or operational environments where samples may be exposed to fluctuating temperature, humidity, and delays before laboratory processing. Ensuring the stability of both genetic markers and cannabinoid profiles is essential for reliable varietal identification, attribution in legal contexts, and downstream investigative or intelligence applications. The SERATEC® ZebraShield device, originally designed to stabilize animal’s biological traces on site, has not yet been systematically evaluated for its suitability in preserving plant tissues relevant to cannabis-related forensic investigations.

This study examined whether ZebraShield can maintain DNA integrity and cannabinoid stability in C. sativa leaf and floral material stored for 30 days at room temperature, and whether genetic (STR and SNP typing) and toxicological analyses yield results comparable to those obtained from fresh samples. Fresh tissues were collected, subdivided, and stored either in ZebraShield or under controlled non preserved conditions. After 30 days, DNA was extracted and evaluated for concentration, purity, and integrity. STR and SNP genotyping performance was assessed through amplification success, allele recovery, and the presence of artifacts such as allele drop out or drop in. In parallel, cannabinoid profiles (THC, CBD, and CBN) were quantified using chromatographic methods to evaluate chemical stability.

Preliminary observations indicate that the device may be able to stabilize plant material sufficiently to allow successful downstream processing, although full analytical validation is ongoing. Early indications suggest that ZebraShield may prevent major degradation trends commonly observed in unpreserved cannabis tissues.

This study aims to provide an evidence based assessment of whether SERATEC® ZebraShield represents a practical and reliable field preservation tool for Cannabis sativa in operational forensic contexts. If confirmed, its implementation could improve the consistency of cannabis evidence handling, strengthen chain of custody procedures, and support laboratories in generating reproducible genetic and toxicological results even when immediate analysis is not feasible.

Authors

• Michele Di Nunzio (Universitat de Barcelona, Spain)
• Aldo Di Nunzio (Universitá Federico II di Napoli, Italy)
• Angela Amoresano (Universitá Federico II di Napoli, Italy)
• Ciro Di Nunzio (CEINGE Advanced Biotechnology, Italy)
• Maria Pieri (Universitá Federico II di Napoli, Italy)