Terpene Analysis Methods

Terpene analysis methods are laboratory techniques used to identify and quantify volatile organic compounds in cannabis plant material. Common approaches include gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), and mass spectrometry (MS), often combined as GC-MS or LC-MS for precision identification. These methods allow breeders and researchers to create detailed terpene profiles of cultivars, documenting which compounds are present and in what proportions. Accurate terpene analysis has become standard practice in cannabis genetics documentation, enabling more reliable comparison of strain lineages and parent-plant selections. Different extraction and analysis protocols can yield varying results, so standardization remains an ongoing focus in cannabis research.

Breeders use terpene analysis data to select parent plants with consistent aromatic profiles and to track how terpene expression changes across generations. Detailed analysis helps establish breeding standards and verify genetic stability in new cultivar lines.