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Many producers and buyers of wholesale cannabis are beginning to perform their own in-house analysis using GC-FID for their terpene analysis. This is less expensive than other equipment and can provide quicker and cheaper results compared to sending samples to labs and waiting on results. HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is probably the second-most common method of terpene analysis but is usually better for cannabinoid analysis rather than for terpenes. Terpenes have low ultraviolet (UV) and MS sensitivities. The cannabinoids present in each sample often interfere or can even essentially “erase” (by coelution) the terpenes in the sample when subjected to this method. SOLID PHASE MICROEXTRACTION OF HEADSPACE Solid Phase Microextraction of Headspace (SPME), or Headspace Sampling (HS), is considered among the more effective methods of terpene analysis. Conventional HS is a method utilizing a concentrator that targets the volatiles in a given sample, including the terpenes. This leaves behind other oils and cannabinoids from the sample. SPME utilizes an autosampler that can be performed by direct immersion with the cannabis sample. EACH “ SPECIFIC STRAIN of cannabis possesses specific psychological and medical characteristics t hat can be better utilized to its full potential with terpene analysis.” SPLIT/SPLITLESS INJECTION Split/Splitless Injection (SSI) is not as complex a process as HS or SPME, making it an easier analysis to perform, but it is not as efficient for high-output labs to use as the samples need to remain in the columns for an extended period. As more and more countries legalize some form of cannabis, it is incumbent upon the industry to build and maintain a set of rigorous standards to make sure the products sold to consumers meet or surpass some basic quality-control measures. The establishment of cannabis testing labs needs to stay ahead of trends and best practices to be able to perform this valuable service to all members of the cannabis supply chain, from grower to buyer, producer to consumer. A terpene analysis is vital to all links in that chain to assure each constituent they have what they think they have and that they were not sold something (or consume something) other than what they thought they were. The accurate and replicable quantification of cannabis terpenes allows for medicinal and recreational cannabis products to be better characterized and controlled. Each specific strain of cannabis possesses specific psychological and medical characteristics that can be better utilized to its full potential with terpene analysis. Ultimately, the demands of the consumer, at any point on the supply chain, coupled with local, municipal, or federal regulations, the quality and type of equipment, and the efficiency and skill of each respective lab technician will decide how cannabis terpene analysis will be performed. sponsored by bovedainc.com | [email protected] 48 Maximum Yield