Terpene Analysis in Cannabis and Hemp by GC

Introduction

Terpenes are the compounds responsible for the distinctive aroma and flavour of cannabis and hemp. Beyond how a product smells or tastes, terpenes play a key role in differentiating strains, influencing consumer experience, and potentially interacting with cannabinoids to affect how a product feels.

Profiling terpene content helps producers identify strain characteristics, verify consistency across batches, and meet labelling or regulatory expectations. It also provides valuable data for research and product development, where understanding terpene composition supports more targeted formulations.

The Challenge

Flavour and aroma come from complex, volatile compounds

Cannabis contains dozens of terpenes in varying ratios that influence its scent and flavour profile. These compounds are highly volatile, and their concentrations can change depending on growing conditions, extraction methods, and storage.

Producers aiming for consistent products need a reliable way to measure terpene content. Without accurate data, small variations between batches can alter a product’s sensory profile, affecting consumer perception and brand consistency.

Analysing terpenes presents a challenge because of their wide range of molecular weights and boiling points. Lighter terpenes vaporise easily, while heavier ones are harder to detect without precise control of injection and column conditions.

The Solution

Gas chromatography separates and measures terpene compounds

Gas chromatography (GC) is a practical way to analyse terpene content in cannabis and hemp. Using a Flame Ionisation Detector (FID), it separates individual terpene compounds so their concentrations can be measured accurately.

The Ellutia 200 Series GC with FID provides a simple and consistent platform for terpene analysis. A liquid injection method is used to ensure that both lighter and heavier terpenes are represented equally in the sample. Headspace sampling is less suitable because heavier terpenes do not vaporise as easily, which can lead to incomplete representation of the sample.

When paired with a liquid autosampler such as the EL3000A, the 200 Series GC can process multiple samples automatically with consistent repeatability. The same configuration can also be used for other cannabis analyses, including cannabinoids and pesticides.

If you’d like an overview of how GC fits into cannabis testing workflows, take a look at the Cannabis Testing Buyers Guide.