Volatile Organic Compound Screening

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) screening is an analytical classification that identifies and measures aromatic molecules released by cannabis plant material. These compounds include terpenes, esters, alcohols, and other chemical constituents that evaporate at room temperature or during processing. VOC screening employs laboratory techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to create chemical fingerprints of cultivars and plant batches. This classification is fundamental to breeding programs, quality control, and understanding how different genetic backgrounds express distinct aromatic profiles. Breeders use VOC screening data to select parents with target aromatic traits and to verify genetic stability across generations.

Breeders leverage VOC screening to objectively document and compare aromatic phenotypes across crosses and backcrosses, moving beyond subjective sensory evaluation. This data-driven approach enables targeted selection for specific terpene combinations and helps establish which genetic lineages consistently express desired VOC profiles.