| This research study sought to create a visual standard and basis for comparison and identification of marijuana seeds based on appearance. Cannabis sativa seeds were photographed with a graph paper background as a scale for measurement purposes. Initially, hop seeds (Humulus ) were examined and photographed, as Humulus is phylogenetically related to Cannabis, being the only other genus in the Cannabinaceae family. Next, seeds from plants with a botanical appearance known to be similar (but not identical) to marijuana were examined and photographed. Lastly, seeds from an extended collection were surveyed for seeds of other plants having a similar appearance to Cannabis with respect to size, a ridge along the circumference on only one axis, the presence of lacy "marbling", and color. Seeds that possess an appearance similar to Cannabis to the extent that they could reasonably or even arguably be confused with Cannabis were also photographed. All seeds were examined under a stereo microscope and were photographed with a 3-megapixel digital camera coupled to the stereo microscope. This work gives criminalists and botanists more complete information relative to the visual identification of marijuana seeds. |
