Basics/History
What is the goal of forensic chemistry?
To determine whether the material submitted contains an illegal substance.
What do they examine on a molecular level?
They examine the way the atoms and molecules in matter interact and bond with each other.
What is an effect of Steroids?
To convict someone of a drug-related crime, what evidence must be found?
Drugs
What is the continued need for the effects of a drug even though those effects can harm the body, mind, and relationships?
Drug dependence
What are the three main things forensic chemist analyze?
Illegal drugs, explosives, and poisons?
What is a chemical signature?
What are the schedules listed within the USC Controlled Substance Act?
They classify the drugs and establish penalties for the possession/use/distribution.
True/False: Holding drugs for a friend counts as possession with intent to supply.
True
What is the legal age to buy cigarettes?
18 years old
Who can use the findings of the chemical tests?
Investigators that are pursuing legal action against an individual.
Separate out the individual compounds.
What depressant causes impaired judgment, confusion, and slurred speech?
Alcohol
For a possession with intent to supply, what suggests to the police that you intend to sell the drugs?
The amount of drugs.
What are the two requirements for drug tested evidence to be used in court?
What is microchemistry?
Identifies the chemical composition of tiny particles.
What are the two types of tests to determine the chemical signature of a drug?
Presumptive and Confirmatory
Name two illegal drugs.
Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, marijuana
Name the three types of convictions.
Possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to supply, the supply of a controlled drug
Name three things that makes a substance illegal.
Causes addiction, causes habituation, causes a marked change in consciousness, has limited or no medical use, is listed on one the five schedules.
What happened in the Blandy Trial of 1752?
The first chemical test for poison.
What type of test is able to be used by cops in the field?
Presumptive
User gets a "high," altered sensory perception, unbalanced
Which conviction is the same no matter the amount of drug in possession?
Supply of a controlled drug
What is the term used when someone uses an illegal drug or intentionally misuses a prescription or OTC drug?
Drug abuse