What GC setup do I need for cannabis and hemp testing?
A 200 Series GC configured with a Flame Ionisation Detector (FID) and an EL-5 column covers the majority of cannabis and hemp analytical work. A single instrument with this configuration handles cannabinoid potency testing, cannabinoid profiling, terpene analysis, and pesticide screening.
The same methods and column work for both cannabis and hemp products, including flower, extracts, oils, and edibles.
Cannabinoid potency and profiling
Potency testing measures the concentration of key cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Profiling goes further, separating and quantifying a broader range of cannabinoids present in the sample. Both use the same GC-FID setup and give quantitative results suitable for product labelling and quality assessment.
An important note on GC and cannabinoid analysis: standard GC analysis heats the sample during injection, which converts acidic cannabinoid forms (THCA, CBDA) into their neutral forms (THC, CBD). For total potency measurement, this gives a direct and accurate result. If you need to measure acidic and neutral cannabinoids separately, a derivatisation step before injection stabilises the acidic forms so both can be measured in a single GC run. See our article on acidic cannabinoid analysis by GC for more detail.
Terpene analysis
Terpenes define the aroma and flavour profile of a cannabis product. GC separates these volatile compounds effectively, giving a detailed breakdown of the terpene profile in each sample. This is useful for product differentiation, quality consistency, and understanding how processing steps affect the final product.
Pesticide screening
GC-FID can screen for certain pesticide residues. The specific compounds detectable depend on the column and method configuration. For broader pesticide panels, GC-ECD may be more appropriate for halogenated pesticide classes.
Residual solvent testing
If the product has been through solvent-based extraction, residual solvent testing checks for leftover solvents such as butane, propane, or ethanol. This requires headspace GC, typically with an FID, but is a different method setup from potency and terpene work. A headspace autosampler (EL2000H or EL2100H) automates this process.
Nitrosamine testing
Nitrosamine contamination is an emerging area of interest in cannabis products. Testing for nitrosamines requires a TEA rather than an FID. This would be a separate instrument or an ATNA for total nitrosamine screening.
How many instruments do you need?
For most cannabis testing laboratories, one 200 Series GC with FID covers potency, profiling, terpenes, and pesticide screening. Residual solvent testing can run on the same instrument with a method change, or on a second unit if throughput demands it. Nitrosamine testing requires a separate TEA-equipped instrument.
The 500 Series GC is also an option for laboratories with high sample volumes, where ultra-fast mode can increase daily throughput significantly.
Want to discuss the right setup for your cannabis testing lab? Get in touch with the team.