CBD and THC are not the only cannabis compounds that should be considered while evaluating the effects of cannabis strains. Terpene content in cannabis has been recently gaining a lot of attention. The content can find out the flavor, aroma, and even the therapeutic strains of cannabis. Therefore, terpene testing equipment has gained so much importance and popularity in the research sector in the past few years.
What is terpene all about?
It represents the various classes of organic compounds, created primarily by plants. Terpenes are the important elements used in plant-derived essential oil. The strong and distinct aroma of terpenes makes them stand out from other plant-based organic compounds. They are beneficial to keep parasites and predators away from plants. Furthermore, terpenes are emerging as a popular compound in the cannabis, food, and fragrance industries.
The presence of terpenes in cannabis
It is the presence of terpenes that render a distinct aroma to the cannabis plant. The studies prove that terpenes have unique therapeutic functions that are important to analyze and utilize in the medical industry. When terpenes are combined with a wide array of other cannabinoid elements, the unique terpene compounds can render distinct therapeutic effects, also referred to as entourage impact.
Analyzing terpene in cannabis products
Analysis or profiling of terpene in cannabis evaluation is often ignored in recreational and medicinal cannabis testing. But it is necessary to offer a top-notch assurance of quality and safety of products developed and produced in multiple industries. Terpenes are discovered in more than 2000 varieties of flowers, trees, plants, vegetation, etc.
Evidence proves that terpenes discovered in cannabis products play a key role in medicinal intentions. It can render the effects of THC and CBD and can deliver significant outcomes in pain relief. Researchers and scientists seem to pay more attention to the impact of terpenes in cannabis. Thus, the request for terpene profiling from cannabis testing laboratories has risen. Henceforth, more and more terpene testing equipment in laboratories around the world is considered.
Gas Chromatography for analyzing terpene
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and GC (Gas Chromatography) are considered for cannabinoid testing. Since terpenes are volatile, GC or Gas Chromatography is better equipment for terpene analysis. Gas Chromatography is an excellent testing tool that can precisely and quickly assess the presence of cannabinoid and terpene compounds. The testing instrument has emerged as the standard and legitimate testing practice in the industry.
Often a flame ionization detector is used along with Gas Chromatography to analyze the presence of terpenes. In this method, cannabis material is placed in a liquid solvent, like ethanol or methanol and the terpene compound is extracted. The extracted liquid is driven into the GC apparatus resulting in the separation of cannabinoids and terpenes in the liquid extraction. Finally, the separated compounds reach the detectors and are burnt over a hot hydrogen-air flame and organic ions are produced.
Conclusion
The majority of people always look for the presence of cannabis compounds on the labels of products. In recent years, terpenes have become a vital aspect of cannabinoid products. Thus, identifying terpenes in cannabis samples using terpene testing equipment has become the standard procedure.
