Terpene Testing in Denver & Pueblo, CO
Terpene results are available in 2-3 business days, with rush services available upon request for same day or next day turnaround.
Nordic Analytical Laboratories offers R&D terpene testing, performed using GC-FID. Nordic quantifies 21 total terpenes, which include the following:
α-Pinene
Camphene
Myrcene
β-Pinene
3-Carene
α-Terpinene
Limonene
p-Cymene
Ocimene
Eucalyptol
gamma-Terpinene
Terpinolene
Linalool
Isopulegol
Geraniol
Caryophyllene
Humulene
Nerolidol
Guaiol
Caryophyllene-Oxide
α-Bisabolol
What are Terpenes?
Many plants (and some insects) produce a variety of terpenes, but they are present in almost all living things as building blocks of larger molecules (e.g. Vitamin A, beta-carotene, cannabinoids, etc.). Terpenes are often strong smelling, such as the smell of a pine forest is due to the many terpenes produced by pine trees. Some terpenes can act as natural pesticides.
The essential oils produced by extraction or distillation of plant parts (e.g. lavender oil, citrus oil, peppermint oil, CBD oil) are rich in terpenes. Essential oils and synthetically produced terpenes are used to add fragrance to perfumes, foods, and many other products. For example, d-Limonene is used to add a pleasant lemon-orange scent to cosmetics, foods, and household cleaners. It is also commonly sold as a safe insecticide.
The Entourage Effect
Studies and anecdotal accounts have suggested that the effects of pure THC (e.g. the drug Marinol) differ from those of smoking or ingesting Cannabis flower. A possible explanation for this observation is that other cannabinoids and natural plant compounds (e.g. CBD, terpenes) are modulating the effects of THC on receptors in the brain. See:
Russo, E. B. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. Aug 2011; 162(7): 1344-1364.
The terpene myrcene has some sedative effects in humans when inhaled. Some studies also report this to be more common as the dominant terpene in indica but not sativa strains. It has been postulated that myrcene may have a modulating or entourage effect on the activity of THC.
Anecdotally, some patients have speculated that strains higher in myrcene may have more of the characteristic indica or couch-lock effect compared to sativa strains. While there is no published research to correlate different terpene profiles with different psychoactive effects on the patient, many patients are developing preferences for terpene content of marijuana products as more information becomes available.
Contact Nordic Analytical Laboratories for Terpene Analysis Today in Colorado!
Nordic Analytical Laboratories offers a terpene report providing a unique terpene fingerprint, which can be used to compare the profiles of different products. Co-branding opportunities are available to terpene reports. Contact us today to get started! We provide Terpene Analysis testing at both our Pueblo and Denver lab facilities.
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What Our Valued Clients Are Saying
“I couldn’t be happier with the level of service, communication and most important..the quality of the testing I received from Nordic Labs. They gained a lifetime customer.”
– Annette M.