HS-FET-GC/MS-Method Development and Validation for Analysis of 45 Terpenes-Creating a Complementary Tool for...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Phytochemistry

Background:

• Cannabis sativa has diverse applications, from recreational to medicinal.
• Legalization of medicinal cannabis raises forensic questions regarding use differentiation.
• Objective markers are needed to distinguish cannabis material, especially for legal contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a method for analyzing terpenes in cannabis flowers.
• To explore terpenes as objective markers for classifying cannabis material.
• To differentiate between recreational and medicinal cannabis use based on chemical profiles.

Main Methods:

• Headspace Full Evaporation Technique Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS-FET-GC/MS) was employed.
• Method validated for 45 terpenes (monoterpenes, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpenoids) according to forensic guidelines.
• FET-sampling optimized, considering thermal instability of terpenes.

Main Results:

• A validated HS-FET-GC/MS method successfully analyzed 45 terpenes in cannabis flowers.
• The method demonstrated selectivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision.
• Terpene profiles showed variations and similarities across different cannabis strains, even with similar THC content.

Conclusions:

• Terpenes, alongside phytocannabinoids, can serve as valuable markers for cannabis classification.
• The validated method provides a reliable tool for forensic analysis of cannabis.
• Terpene profiling offers a promising approach to distinguish cannabis origins and uses.