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Terpene Analysis in Cannabis & Hemp
FAST, RELIABLE GC TESTING
Resolving Complexity in Terpene Testing
Accurate terpene profiling is becoming increasingly vital as both consumers and regulators demand greater transparency, strain authenticity, and insight into therapeutic potential.
But terpene analysis isn’t always straightforward. These compounds are volatile and often co-elute, making separation a challenge. Lab teams frequently struggle to validate methods that deliver consistent, repeatable results especially when testing flowers, distillates, or infused products.
To keep up, your method needs to be fast, reliable, and tailored to cannabis & Hemp matrices without requiring constant re-optimisation.
WHY TERPENE PROFILING MATTERS
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Therapeutic Insights
Terpenes play a vital role in modulating cannabis's therapeutic effects. Profiling helps researchers and producers align product profiles with patient needs. -
Strain Integrity
Accurate terpene data ensures consistency between batches, critical for brands offering named strains or condition-specific formulations. -
Consumer Confidence
Clear terpene data supports label transparency, helping medicinal users make informed decisions.
BUILDING A TRUSTED PRODUCT
For producers, understanding terpene composition isn’t just about meeting specifications—it’s about defining a consistent product identity. Repeatable terpene testing supports brand differentiation, cultivator feedback, and the reliability needed for GMP-compliant medicinal formulations.
REGULATORY CONTEXT
Terpene testing isn’t yet universally mandated, but many authorities now advocate full-spectrum profiling for medicinal cannabis & hemp products. Ellutia’s terpene analysis solutions are built to support labs in staying ahead—ensuring transparent labelling, clinical research validity, and GMP-aligned reporting.
Meeting Evolving Standards
As cannabis evolves into a regulated therapeutic product, oversight bodies like the MHRA and EU-GMP increasingly require documented consistency in formulation. Ellutia’s validated workflows provide the repeatability, traceability, and accuracy essential for compliant cannabinoid and terpene reporting.
What’s Included in the Terpene Profiling Method
Our terpene profiling workflow is designed for immediate implementation and long-term reliability:
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Application note and ready-to-use method files
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Retention times for 18+ key terpenes (α-pinene to nerolidol)
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Robust GC oven programming and flow parameters
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Supports cannabis flower, oils, vapes, and formulated matrices
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Compatible with manual or automated injection
Validated by real-world cannabis & Hemp testing, this workflow reduces time to results and supports MHRA/EU-GMP reporting needs.
Our Analytical Solution
Ellutia’s 200 Series GC is designed for reliable detection of residual solvents in cannabis & hemp products. It supports manual injection and is compatible with optional autosamplers. Designed to detect even low-ppb levels of volatile organics, they combine accuracy, reliability, and ease of use in a compact footprint.
Key Features:
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Supports manual injection, with optional integration of third-party autosamplers
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High-sensitivity FID detection for volatile solvents
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Compatible with Class 1, 2, and 3 solvent types
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Validated workflows for cannabis & hemp extracts and distillates
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Space saving design that is ideal for scaling labs
Get in touch
Tell us about your testing requirements.
Download the Application Note
Access the Case Study
MISSED OUR WEBINAR? DETECTING UNEXPECTED NITROSAMINE CONTAMINATION
One of the biggest challenges in nitrosamine analysis is identifying contaminants you’re not expecting. Standard testing methods like GC or LC can detect known nitrosamines but only if you have the right reference standards. Unexpected nitrosamines, however, can easily go unnoticed.
In this webinar, we explore practical analytical strategies that can help uncover potential nitrosamine contaminants even when specific standards aren't available. If your current methods rely heavily on predefined targets, this session will highlight ways to reduce risk and gain a clearer picture of contamination.
INTERESTED IN IMPROVING YOUR TESTING STRATEGY OR WANT ACCESS TO THE RECORDING?
