42 February / March 2018 Results and Discussion
The results show that this sample has 601.226 µg of THC per mL. This results in the sample having a total THC content of 18%.
Figure 3: Chromatogram showing the terpenes and cannabinoids in a single run Table 1: Compound list and the corresponding results Peak Number Compound
1 2 4 6 7 8 9
10 Total Myrcene
delta-3-Carene Geraniol
beta-caryophyllene Alpha-Humulene cbd
delta 9 thc cbg
Retention Time [min] 2.463 2.737 5.636 5.981 6.524
13.356 14.284 14.843
Response Amount [mg/l]
0.635 1.167 0.363 0.478 0.212 0.709
18.523 0.811
2.536 9.605 5.496 7.793
15.551 26.620
601.286 24.035
692.922
The high level of THC, shown in Figure 6, indicates that if consumed this would have more of the psychoactive effects. The results show the ratios of THC and CBD, providing information about the potency of the product. The concentration and profile of the terpenes, see Figure 7, that are present provides information about the flavour profile to guide users about the sort of flavour characteristics that can be expected from the cannabis when consumed. The different terpenes present and their levels will define how that particular strain of cannabis will smell and taste. For example a strain that shows high levels of limonene may will have citrus lemony aroma (limonene is commonly also found in lemons) or a high level of myrcene will give flavours similar to beer (myrcene is also found commonly in hops).The levels of terpenes can also be used as a guide to understand the quality of the product. For example, low levels could indicate that it has not been dried correctly.
Harnessing this information, manufacturers can verify the quality of cannabis samples. For example, Shamanics aim is to upgrade the entire cannabis scene in the Netherlands using GC in order to protect and grow the market. As a result of the robust testing methods, Shamanics has set themselves apart from their competitors in the Netherlands. Testing remains very rare in the Netherlands, but there are other companies using techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy, SFC and HPLC to conduct quality testing.
Figure 4: Cannabis sample added to methanol
Figure 5: The 200 Series GC at Shamanics
Figure 6: Cannabinoid detail from Chromatogram
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