Analysis of 21 Terpenes in 3 Cannabis Cultivars by HS-GCMS

Importance of the Topic

Terpenes and terpenoids define cannabis aroma and flavor while contributing therapeutic benefits and synergizing with cannabinoids. Unique terpene fingerprints enable strain identification and support quality control in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Study Objectives and Overview

This study profiles 21 terpenes in three cannabis cultivars—CB Diesel, Blue Dream, and Haze Wreck—using headspace-GC-MS. It aims to compare fresh and stored samples to evaluate the impact of handling and storage on terpene content.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation:

• Ground flower (10–30 mg) placed in headspace vials using full evaporation technique to form a single‐phase gas sample.
• Seven-point calibration from 78.125 µg/mL to 2500 µg/mL using a 21-component terpene standard.

Headspace Conditions:

• Equilibrium at 150 °C for 30 min
• 50:1 split injection, constant linear velocity at 47.2 cm/s

GC-MS Parameters:

• Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010SE with HS-20 autosampler
• Rxi-624Sil MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm i.d., 1.4 µm)
• Oven: 80 °C (1 min) → 12 °C/min to 150 °C (1 min) → 9 °C/min to 250 °C (1 min)
• MS operated in FAAST mode: SCAN for identification, SIM for quantitation

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration curves for key terpenes (e.g., α-pinene, β-myrcene, limonene) displayed excellent linearity (R² ≥ 0.997). CB Diesel, analyzed shortly after harvest, showed terpene levels consistent with literature reports (0.1–1.5 wt%). Blue Dream and Haze Wreck, stored at ambient temperature and light for one month, exhibited lower terpene abundances, underscoring storage-induced degradation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Standardized quantitation of major terpenes supports product consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Strain-specific terpene fingerprints aid authentication and breeding selection.
• Monitoring storage effects ensures accurate labeling of aroma and potency.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Further investigation into terpene stability under controlled humidity, light, and temperature conditions will refine storage guidelines. Advanced multidimensional GC and high-resolution MS methods may enhance detection of minor terpenes. Integrating sensory and pharmacological data will deepen insights into the entourage effect.

Conclusion

The described headspace-GC-MS method provides robust, high-throughput profiling of cannabis terpenes. It confirms expected concentrations in fresh material and reveals significant losses in stored samples, informing best practices for quality control and strain authentication.

Instrumentation Used

• Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010SE single quadrupole mass spectrometer
• Shimadzu HS-20 headspace autosampler
• Rxi-624Sil MS capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm i.d., 1.4 µm)

Reference

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