Chromatography Testing

Chromatography testing encompasses laboratory methods used to separate and identify cannabinoid and terpene profiles in cannabis plant material. Gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) are the primary techniques employed by analytical labs to measure THC, CBD, CBN, and volatile organic compounds. These methods provide quantitative data on chemical composition, enabling breeders and cultivators to document strain consistency and potency variation across generations. Chromatography results form the foundation of modern cannabis genetics documentation, allowing precise tracking of how specific crosses and environmental conditions affect secondary metabolite expression. Understanding chromatography-derived profiles is essential for breeding programs aiming to stabilize desired chemotypes or develop new cannabinoid ratios.

Breeders use chromatography data to select parent plants with target cannabinoid ratios and terpene signatures, and to verify that offspring maintain desired chemical profiles across multiple generations. Consistent chromatography results across a strain family demonstrate stability and allow breeders to make informed decisions about which lines warrant further development.