Terpene Analysis
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that endow cannabis with its unique scent. Terpene analysis is crucial for differentiating between strains of cannabis, as terpenes have a major influence on the medical and psychological effects of a plant. In fact, the relationship between cannabinoids and terpenoids, known as the “entourage effect,” ultimately distinguishes one strain of medical cannabis from another.
Why does terpene analysis matter?
Terpene analysis is beneficial for patients, providers, and breeders alike.
- Understanding terpenes is essential to helping patients identify the right strain for their symptoms.
- Terpene analysis allows collectives and budtenders to customise treatment programs for their clients and optimize a strain’s pharmacological effects.
- Through understanding terpenes, breeders can selectively modulate the terpene ratios of their strains, in order to maximize desired benefits.
How does SC Labs test for terpenes?
SC Labs uses gas chromatography with flame ionized detection (FID) to test over 35 commonly found terpenes. Our list currently includes:
- Nerolidol
- β-Pinene
- p-Cymene
- Isopulgeol
- Geranyl acetate
- Fenchol
- Pulegone
- Menthol
- α-Humulene
- α-Bisabolol
- (+)-3-Carene
- (-) Caryophyllene Oxide
- α-Pinene
- Eucalyptol
- Myrcene
- Terpinolene
- β-Caryophyllene
- Limonene
- Geraniol
- Linalool
- (+)Valencene
- Camphene
- Sabinene
- Guaiol
- Phytol
- Terpineol
- Camphor
- Isoborneol
- α-Terpinene
- α-Phellandrene
- α-Cedrene