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Beyond Potency: Why Cannabis Cultivators Should Consider Terpene Testing

Terpene testing has become a game-changer for the modern cannabis market. As states continue to legalize medical or adult-use cannabis, there are more types of products and brand options than ever before. When consumers are faced with a dizzying array of choices, how can they differentiate and decide what to buy?

Terpenes are often considered the “hidden gems” of cannabis — these vital compounds dictate the aroma, flavor profile, and effects of each unique cultivar. By identifying and understanding terpene profiles, operators can better position their products and communicate their effects and benefits to consumers. Ultimately, better product understanding and consistent experiences drive brand loyalty, bringing customers back again and again.

Why more cannabis cultivators are conducting terpene testing

As the legal cannabis market matures, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable, and their product and experience preferences are evolving. One of the largest shifts in preferences lies in how modern cannabis consumers are shopping for products. While there was a time when most would select a product for sleep because it was labeled “Indica” or simply shop for the strain with the highest THC percentage, cannabis product selection is increasingly being driven by effect.

Consumers today are more informed about different cannabinoids and their benefits. Rather than consuming just to “get high,” many are turning to cannabis for more targeted therapeutic benefits such as sleep, creativity, or pain relief. This means instead of relying solely on the outdated indica, sativa, and hybrid descriptors, consumers are now shopping by effect descriptors like “relax,” “energetic,” or “euphoric.” They know to look for a strain labeled as “calm” or a product that is high in CBN if they’re trying to decompress before bed.

In response to this shift in preferences and shopping habits, leading cannabis brands across the industry are highlighting the terpenes in their products in their marketing, messaging, packaging, and more.

The benefits of terpene testing

Terpene testing is beneficial to everyone in the cannabis supply chain — from breeders to consumers.

Breeders: Terpene data allows breeders to selectively modulate the terpene ratios of strains to breed and cultivate the desired results in new strains.

Operators: Cultivators and processors can align with consumer preferences, make more strategic decisions about which cultivars go into which products, and get ideas for new product SKUs. For example, if a strain consistently tests high in myrcene, a company could decide to start producing a sleep-focused gummy or vape cart out of that strain.

Retailers: Dispensary purchasing managers can better stock inventory based on their sales history and customer requests. For example, if a particular store location notices tons of customers asking for products to use before bed, they may purchase larger quantities of that new sleep-focused gummy or vape cart line.

Budtenders: Budtenders can connect the dots to terpenes to make more informed recommendations when customers come in looking for a certain flavor or experience. When a customer is happy, they may leave a bigger tip or a positive Google review about that staff member which in turn increases employee satisfaction and morale.

Consumers: When you educate about terpenes, customers can quickly and easily identify the right strain or product in your lineup for their desired effects. When you provide experiences that align with their expectations, they’ll return to your brand repeatedly, driving long-term loyalty and repeat revenue.

Compliance considerations of terpene testing

While terpene testing is not part of regulatory compliance testing in many states, it can be an incredibly beneficial way to stand out as a brand. However, as testing regulations evolve in new and legacy states alike, terpene testing may become a more widely mandated requirement.

For example, the adult-use market in New York has capped terpenes in inhaled products at 10%. This means products like flower, vapes, and pre-rolls must be tested for terpenes and cannot exceed 10%. If you operate in this state and the terpene test on your latest cart batch comes back at 12%, you can’t put it on shelves — which can impact your brand reputation and bottom line.

Luckily, in this case, ACT LAB can help you reformulate your products and provide clear testing results so you can sell your products safely and compliantly.

Modern types of terpene testing

Terpene testing is used to specifically identify and quantify the levels of various terpenes present in any cannabis product. The most common approaches to terpene analysis are “Headspace” gas chromatography (GC) and “Liquid Injection” testing. Both headspace and liquid injection methods use GC-FID technology for the chromatography and detector. While headspace is much easier for testing labs to prepare, liquid injection preparation allows for the use of much higher weight, leading to more consistency and less variance in results.

Why conduct terpene testing with ACT LAB?

Here at ACT LAB, we have full-scope testing capabilities beyond just compliance that you can truly count on. Our comprehensive terpene tests cover 57 major and minor terpenes — the broadest terpene panel available on the market!

Our Methods of Terpene Testing

ACT LAB offers both Headspace and Liquid Injection terpene testing to meet your individual needs as an operator. We follow the guidance of white papers published by Restek in the case of headspace and Agilent in the case of liquid injection.

While some labs may use a mass spectrometer as the detector for terpenes analysis, we have found that terpenes ionize too similarly to get valuable information from that data. Utilizing a flame ionization detector allows us a much larger linear range, reducing the number of dilutions and retests required and allowing us to keep our turnaround times low.

Our Sample Collection Process for Terpene Testing

Trained ACT LAB sampling specialists collect and transport all of our samples, protecting the terpene content of various sample matrices during the testing process.

Our Results for Terpene Testing

We also provide easy-to-read COAs and 24/7 customer support if you need assistance understanding your test results — and full-scope consulting services to help you make more strategic business decisions based on them. Request testing services now to start harnessing the full power of terpene testing!

Terpene testing with ACT LAB: FAQs

What states do you conduct terpene testing in? 

Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

What products can you conduct terpene testing on?

We can test the terpene content of any product, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, extracts, vapes, concentrates, infusions, kief, topicals, and beverages.

How many terpenes do you test for?

57 – the broadest terpene panel available!

What is the turnaround time for terpene testing?

We provide a 2-24 hour response time on logistics and pickup scheduling, same-day sample collection and processing (before 1 PM), and the fastest average turnaround times (TaT) on test results for speed to market.

What if I need help interpreting my terpene testing results?

One of our experts would be more than happy to assist you with 24/7 support for our partners.

What is the cost of terpene testing?

Please request testing to get connected with a local ACT LAB team member in your state for accurate pricing.

How can I get started with terpene testing?

Request testing to take the first step today!


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