Applet: Beyond THC and CBD: Solvent Free Headspace Extraction and GC-MS Profiling of Terpenes and Cannabinoids in Cannabis Flower and Products

Authors: Sage J. B. Dunham, Victoria L. Noad, Bailey S. Arakelian & Daniel B. Cardin

Compositional analysis of products, including any contaminants present, from raw materials to finished products is crucial to ensure quality and safety.

Headspace Sorbent Pens (HSPs) are used with the technique, Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE), to extract volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in solid, liquid, and gas matrices.

Many existing headspace techniques are only quantitative for volatiles (Boiling point (BP) range <200°C). VASE-TD is a technique that increases the compatibility of many applications with solvent-free headspace extraction by combining the strengths of SPME and TD tubes. After placing the sample in the vial and inserting the HSP containing an adsorbent, a vacuum source is applied, bringing the in-vial pressure to about 0.3 atm.