Matthias Rohm, Patricia Moser, Christian Fuczik, Institut f. Hanfanalytik
Following the partial legalization of cannabis in Germany, interest in the actual potency of cannabis flowers has increased significantly. During Mary Jane Berlin 2026, 534 cannabis flower samples submitted by exhibition visitors were analyzed on-site using NIR spectroscopy.
While THC levels are often displayed on packaging, shared on social media, or communicated through informal sources, there is limited data on the actual composition of the flowers used by consumers. Importantly, THC content is a key quality and safety parameter, as it substantially influences both the pharmacological effects and the risk profile of cannabis products.
With more than 70,000 visitors and several hundred exhibitors, Mary Jane Berlin 2026 brings together consumers, producers, retailers, and professionals from across the cannabis industry. This event provides a unique opportunity to collect a wide range of real consumer samples and investigate their CBD and THC contents.
The analytical determination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is essential for ensuring the quality control of cannabis products. Despite increasing market regulation, there are significant variations among cultivars, production batches, and countries of origin. Investigations conducted in our laboratory have revealed that actual THC concentrations often differ from the values declared on product labels.
On-site analyses were conducted using a portable near-infrared spectrometer (NIR). The NIR method used is based on a manufacturer-specific calibration model developed from an extensive reference database of chromatographically characterized cannabis samples. The limit of quantification for all cannabinoids was set at 1%.
To ensure a homogeneous sample matrix, the cannabis flowers were ground using a grinder. The homogenized material was transferred into an aluminum weighing dish and analyzed three times using NIR spectroscopy.
Fig. 1: NIRLab NIR Spectrometer
Fig. 2: Sample in an aluminum weighing dish
A total of 534 samples were submitted for analysis. These were categorized as:
The THC cultivars demonstrated a median THC concentration of 17.4%, with values ranging from 5.9% to 25.7% THC. These samples fall within the range of modern, high-potency cannabis flowers increasingly observed across Europe.
Table 1: Results hybrid cultivars
Fig. 3: Distribution of THC concentrations in submitted samples
Fig. 4: Analysis result – NIR spectrum
Fig. 5: Analysis result – Accessible via hanfanalytik.at server
The median THC concentration of 17.4% identified in this study is higher than the historical European averages, reflecting the continuing trend toward more potent cannabis products. Importantly, none of the samples analyzed had THC concentrations above 30%.
[1] Mary Jane Berlin – maryjane-berlin.com
[2] Rafiq et al. (2024). Plants, 13(6), 833.
[3] Sánchez-Carnerero et al. (2025). Frontiers in Plant Science, 16.
[4] European Union Drugs Agency (2026). European Drug Report 2026.