Fingerprinting the Terpene Profiles of Various Cannabis Strains using GC and GCxGC with High Performance TOFMS

Cannabis is a complex mixture: terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, etc. Medicinal uses include treatment of chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, anxiety, and cancer. Its total composition is important in determining potency and medical effectiveness (Entourage Effect). In this study, a novel analytical approach was utilized for the effective characterization of terpenes in different cannabis strains.

Investigative Objectives

• Implement the use of enhanced, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) for the separation of cannabis terpenes.
  
• Use a benchtop, high-performance time-of-flight mass spectrometer and powerful processing software to quickly and confidently identify terpenes and other cannabis compounds.
  
•  Use software tools to compare different cannabis strains.