Terpenes Testing

Terpenes Testing

Identify and quantify terpenes in cannabis products with increased confidence using the same GC-MS/MS systems used for pesticides and residual solvents analysis. With Waters technologies, you can achieve rapid results while maintaining the highest product quality and meeting regulatory requirements.

Identify and quantify terpenes in cannabis products with increased confidence using the same GC-MS/MS systems used for pesticides and residual solvents analysis. With Waters technologies, you can achieve rapid results while maintaining the highest product quality and meeting regulatory requirements.
Confidently identify and quantify terpenes and characterize the aroma and flavor profile of various cannabis products with Waters terpene testing solutions.
Confidently identify and quantify terpenes and characterize the aroma and flavor profile of various cannabis products with Waters terpene testing solutions.

Overview

Terpene testing is performed to characterize the aroma and flavor profile of various cannabis products and to support research regarding the health benefits of cannabis. Terpenes are typically analyzed by gas chromatography, and due to structural isomerism, chromatographic resolution, and unique fragmentation patterns are essential for correct identification.

Identify and quantify terpenes in cannabis products with increased confidence using the Waters Xevo TQ-GC or APGC-MS/MS with liquid injection, which can also be used for pesticide and residual solvent testing. Having fewer systems with flexible capabilities help cannabis testing laboratories save upfront capital, increase lab capacity, maintain product quality, and meet all regulatory requirements as they grow.

Ensure cannabis mycotoxin levels are below regularity with Waters and VICAM mycotoxin testing strip tests, immunoaffinity columns,with Waters and VICAM mycotoxin testing strip tests, immunoaffinity columns,

Applications

Over 100 terpenes have been identified in cannabis, and chromatographic separation and identification of these compounds is challenging. Learn how Waters technologies allow you to use a single platform to perform multiple analyses required for the safety and quality testing of cannabis in these application notes.

Over 100 terpenes have been identified in cannabis, and chromatographic separation and identification of these compounds is challenging. Learn how Waters technologies allow you to use a single platform to perform multiple analyses required for the safety and quality testing of cannabis in these application notes.

Application Notes

Cannabis Varieties, Macro and Close Up Medical and Recreational Marijuana

Solutions

Waters GC-MS/MS systems offer the performance your lab needs for separation and sensitivity in terpene testing.

Waters GC-MS/MS systems offer the performance your lab needs for separation and sensitivity in terpene testing.

No compromise atmospheric pressure ionization GC-MS/MS

No compromise atmospheric pressure ionization GC-MS/MS
Waters Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) Source

Discover the benefits that the next generation GC-MS source offers in operational efficiency, cost savings, and analytical quality across a range of MS technology platforms.

  • Terpenes Testing

The perfect addition to your laboratory

The perfect addition to your laboratory
Xevo TQ-GC Mass Spectrometry System

Maximize uptime and address difficult sample matrices in tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry applications with the Xevo TQ-GC Mass Spectrometer.

  • Terpenes Testing

Ensure your laboratory runs efficiently with Waters advanced software that provides quality and reliable results for increased productivity.

Ensure your laboratory runs efficiently with Waters advanced software that provides quality and reliable results for increased productivity.

Streamline quantitative data acquisition and processing

Streamline quantitative data acquisition and processing
MassLynx Quantitation Applications

Conduct application-specific data acquisition and transform the data into usable results with MassLynx for quantitation that offers a range of application managers with specialized data processing functionalities that eliminates the need for complex time-consuming manual data review.

  • Terpenes Testing

Achieve testing efficiencies and accurate results using streamlined Waters services and support.

Achieve testing efficiencies and accurate results using streamlined Waters services and support.

 Your success is just a click away

 Your success is just a click away
Waters Global Services

Optimize your laboratory's productivity and success with Waters Global Services. Maintain peak system performance, minimize down time, address application challenges, and support stringent compliance requirements.

  • Terpenes Testing

Make science more accessible

Make science more accessible
Payment Solutions

Maximize resources and minimize risk with payment options from Waters Capital, including upgrading aging equipment, getting customized support, and bundling services into one monthly payment.

  • Terpenes Testing

The data speaks for itself

The data speaks for itself
PCA plot for the APGC-MS analysis of cannabis cultivars
PCA plot for the APGC-MS analysis of cannabis cultivars.
Terpene recoveries in hemp and cannabis
Terpene recoveries in hemp and cannabis.
Comparison of terpinolene and linalool ion ratios
Comparison of terpinolene and linalool ion ratios.
Correlation analysis showing similarities of the standardized abundance profiles for β-Pinene, β-Myrcene, and α-Pinene across the cannabis cultivars
Correlation analysis showing similarities of the standardized abundance profiles for β-Pinene, β-Myrcene, and α-Pinene across the cannabis cultivars.

Webinars and Resources

  • Brochure

Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC) - No Compromise GC/MS

Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC) - No Compromise GC/MS
Download
  • Brochure

Xevo TQ-GC

Xevo TQ-GC
Download
  • Infographic

Next Generation GC-MS Technology

Next Generation GC-MS Technology
Download
  • White Paper

Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)
Download

Related

Cannabis and Hemp Testing
Ensure you meet cannabis and hemp regulatory compliance requirements while enabling growth and innovation with Waters quality and safety testing laboratory solutions.

Mycotoxin Testing in Cannabis Products
Ensure mycotoxin levels in cannabis are below regularity levels with Waters and VICAM solutions, including easy-to-use strip tests, immunoaffinity columns, and quantitative analysis with LC-FLR and LC-MS/MS.

Pesticide Testing for Cannabis and Hemp
Explore Waters LC and GC-MS/MS solutions for cannabis pesticide analysis, designed for sensitive and reproducible detection below current regulatory levels.

Residual Solvents in Cannabis
Detect residual solvents in various cannabis consumer products with Waters GC-MS/MS solutions and sample preparation best practices.

Learn more about Terpenes Testing.

Learn more about Terpenes Testing.
Confidently identify and quantify terpenes and characterize the aroma and flavor profile of various cannabis products with Waters terpene testing solutions.
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Terpenes are natural compounds in cannabis that give each strain its unique aroma, flavor, and effects. They play an important role in the overall cannabis experience and can enhance the impact of cannabinoids. Because terpene levels can vary depending on how the plant is grown and processed, accurate testing is essential for product consistency, safety, and proper labeling.

Testing labs and producers rely on terpene analysis to classify strains, ensure quality control, and meet regulatory standards. Consumers also benefit from knowing the terpene content, as it helps them choose products based on desired effects or flavors.

Waters offers advanced GC-MS/MS (Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry) solutions for precise and reliable terpene testing. Instruments like the Xevo™ TQ-GC and Xevo™ APGC-MS/MS can identify and measure a wide range of terpenes, even at very low levels, across various cannabis product types including flower, oils, and edibles.

These systems provide high sensitivity and accuracy, along with user-friendly workflows that streamline testing from sample preparation to data analysis. They are designed to support both routine quality control and advanced research while helping labs stay compliant with industry regulations.

With Waters terpene testing solutions, laboratories can achieve consistent, trustworthy results, helping producers deliver high-quality cannabis products and building consumer confidence in an evolving market.