Chromatography Testing

Chromatography testing is an analytical laboratory method used to identify and measure individual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and cannabinoid profiles in cannabis samples. Gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) are the primary techniques breeders and labs employ to detect terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids present in flower, extract, or plant tissue. Results from chromatography analysis provide quantitative data rather than subjective sensory descriptions, offering precise chemical fingerprints of a given cultivar. This data is foundational for strain characterization, seed line stability assessment, and breeding program documentation. Chromatography results often form the basis for terpene-focused breeding decisions and phenotype selection in commercial operations.

Breeders use chromatography data to identify consistent terpene and cannabinoid profiles across multiple generations, ensuring seed line stability and predictability. This objective chemical data helps distinguish phenotypic variation within a population and guides selective breeding toward desired aromatic and chemical targets.