Nova Analytic Labs Doubles Its Terpene Testing Library

NOVA Analytic Labs, the trusted next-gen testing and consulting partner of the cannabis and hemp sectors, announced it has doubled its proprietary terpene testing profile to deliver the most comprehensive results to cannabis and hemp operators in the state of Maine. 

The company’s new proprietary gas chromatography technology analyzes 58 terpenes in one test and exceeds the industry standard of 23 by more than two-fold. The expanded testing profile is designed to help cannabis and hemp operators drive efficiencies while increasing the understanding of cannabinoid-based consumer packaged goods and delivering more predictable consumption experiences to patients and customers. 

Terpenes are organic compounds found in various plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinct aroma and flavors associated with different cannabis strains. In addition to their sensory qualities, terpenes also play a significant role in the cannabis plant's biology and may have therapeutic effects on their own. In conjunction with the cannabinoid profiles, terpenes enhance the overall consumption experience, producing the synergistic entourage effect, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

NOVAL’s GC testing technology with liquid injection for terpenes works well for analyzing concentrates, oils, and flower, and has better quantitation with a larger linear range than headspace analysis, which is what most testing labs use to test for terpenes today. It also offers increased accuracy in both flower and concentrates over a larger linear range, a larger number of analytes, and has the ability to identify minor terpenes not commonly analyzed.

“Terpenes is a term that everyone in the cannabis industry is familiar with, but their depth and complexity are often overlooked,” said NOVA Analytic Labs CEO Christopher Altomare. 

“These vital organic compounds are much more than the architects of aroma and flavor in cannabis – they are crucial players in the plant's biology, survival and potential therapeutic benefits. While ‘terps’ are best known for their ability to create distinct aromas and flavors, varying from fruity and citrusy, to earthy, floral and spicy notes, this diversity is not just a sensory delight. It's also a key characteristic that differentiates one cannabis strain from another. Each strain has its own unique terpene profile that plays a significant role in shaping its identity and effects.”

Altomare added, “Through our proprietary terpene testing profile, our team is reimagining what is possible to meet the current and future needs of the cannabis and hemp industries. Today, we can analyze 58 terpenes in the same amount of time that most others test about 20 terpenes. We can accurately identify what many consider ‘interferences’ because our solution can quickly identify so many more terpenes that may be present in a sample, increases the number of analytes tested and provides the ability to rule out minor terpenes as possible contaminants, which others simply can’t do. By improving the overall quantitative accuracy, we believe our next-gen GC technology will help operators better understand their products and effects. This will help consumers, patients and caregivers make better decisions about what products work best for them – a win-win for both the public and cannabis businesses operating in Maine.” 

A full list of terpenes tested by NOVA can be found here.

This article has been republished from materials provided by NOVA Analytic Labs. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.