cannabis terpene
Profiling terpenes in cannabis:
How Canadian laboratories are overcoming analytical challenges
T
he Canadian government’s decision to legalize the use of cannabis by adults for nonmedicinal purposes in October 2018 presents an enormous opportunity for fully-licensed laboratories to establish and expand in support of the testing needs of this growing sector. While not currently required under the latest quality control regulations issued by Health Canada, terpene profiling of cannabis products is expected to play an important role in helping suppliers meet consumers’ needs and preferences. Here, we consider the importance of cannabis terpene profiling and how laboratories can overcome the analytical challenges specific to this emerging field.
Terpenes in cannabis Terpenes are non-psychoactive components that give cannabis and its derived products their distinctive smell. Although these compounds are not psychoactive themselves, it is a widely-held belief of many cannabis users, and increasingly some parts of the scientific community, that specific terpenes in cannabis can create distinct or ‘enhanced’ experiences for users (1). These perceived differences are thought to arise from interactions between certain terpenes or terpenoids, phyto cannabinoids, and the endocannabinoid system. This so-called ‘entourage effect’ remains scientifically controversial, yet belief in the phenomenon persists among some groups of users and researchers. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that some users associate cannabis chemovars derived from Cannabis indica – one of the two main species of the cannabis plant – with soporific or relaxing effects (2). The other, Cannabis sativa, is believed by some users to have uplifting
or energetic effects. While these perceived differences between the two main species of cannabis have not been proven, many users actively seek out specific chemovars of cannabis to produce a particular experience. A more complete understanding of cannabis terpene profiles and their link to users’ sensory experiences by characterizing the terpenes present in specific chemovars could, therefore, help to guide users’ choices. With the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes in Canada also expected to rise, sourcing material with a specific terpene profile is important for patients too. Research into the collective synergic effect of the terpenes present in cannabis is ongoing (3). However, it may be reassuring for patients to have reliable access to material with a specific terpene profile they are familiar with. For growers and suppliers, there is a commercial advantage in knowing the general terpene profile of the material they provide, whether this is for medicinal or non-medicinal purposes.
The growing market for cannabis products Characterizing a cannabis product’s terpene profile isn’t just important for those
involved in the supply of material that will be inhaled. New Canadian legislation paves the way for an expanding range of medical and nonmedicinal products containing cannabis-derived extracts, including concentrates, oils, and edible preparations. For many consumers, the appeal of these products is that they contain the same chemical components that are found in the plant material, and thus may be perceived to offer the same type of experience associated with smoking cannabis. To obtain these chemical components and include them in concentrates, oils, and edible preparations, terpenes must be isolated and extracted from cannabis. Avoiding contamination with other plant components such as waxes and chlorophyll can be challenging from a production perspective and requires a large amount of method development. Furthermore, the oxidative liability of specific terpenes, and the solvents involved in their re-addition to cannabis materials, can potentially be toxic when consumed through heat-based methods. This highlights the care that must be taken when re-adding terpenes to the final product. For businesses engaged in this sector, terpene profiling allows companies to fine tune their manufacturing processes to optimize the types and levels of terpenes in their products.
Biotechnology Focus
June/July 2019
27
