Terpene Identification in Hemp Flower by GC/MS

Importance of the Topic

Terpene profiling in cannabis and hemp has emerged as a key approach for differentiating plant varieties, ensuring product consistency and meeting quality control standards. These volatile compounds define the characteristic aromas and flavors of specific strains, influencing consumer experience and informing breeding and processing decisions.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application brief demonstrates a robust gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) workflow using commercial terpene standards to identify and quantify 39 major terpenes in hemp flower. The aim is to achieve complete separation, reliable calibration and accurate quantitation in a single analytical run.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation:

• Homogenize ~500 mg of hemp flower and extract with methanol.
• Shake and centrifuge the mixture, then filter the supernatant.
• Perform serial dilutions in methanol to achieve overall dilution factors of 1:400 and 1:2,000.

Analysis Platform:

• Agilent 8890 GC with split injection (20:1) into an Ultra Inert liner.
• Agilent J&W DB-35ms column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm) with a two-stage oven program from 40 °C to 280 °C.
• Agilent 5977B GC/MSD operated in full-scan mode (m/z 65–350), with a 2 min solvent delay.
• Data acquisition and processing via Agilent MassHunter Workstation.

Main Results and Discussion

A five-point calibration was built for each of the 39 terpenes directly in the hemp extract matrix, yielding correlation coefficients above 0.997. Representative curves, such as for α-humulene, demonstrate excellent linearity. Overlay chromatograms confirm baseline resolution of all targeted analytes in under 17 minutes. Analysis of a hemp flower sample detected key sesquiterpenes including α-humulene and β-caryophyllene among others.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The presented method enables:

• Rapid, comprehensive terpene profiling in a single injection.
• High sensitivity and reproducibility for routine quality control.
• Strain verification and flavor/aroma fingerprinting for product development.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include automation of sample handling, expansion to minor or novel terpenes, integration with chemometric analysis and real-time process monitoring. Coupling terpene data with genetic or cultivation parameters could further optimize strain selection and ensure consistent product attributes.

Conclusion

Using commercial terpene mixes and a tailored GC-MS workflow, analysts can accurately identify and quantify 39 key terpenes in hemp flower extracts in a single, efficient run, supporting robust quality control and strain characterization.

References

No external literature references were cited in this summary.