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Gas chromatography (GC) techniques for analyzing and determining the cannabinoid profile in cannabis ( Cannabis sativa L.) are widely used in standard laboratories; however, these methods may mislabel the profile when used under rapid conditions. Our study aimed to highlight this problem and optimize GC column conditions and mass spectrometry (MS) parameters to accurately identify cannabinoids in both standards and forensic samples. The method was validated for linearity, selectivity, and precision. It was observed that when tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiolic acid (CBD-A) were examined using rapid GC conditions, the resulting derivatives generated identical retention times. Wider chromatographic conditions were applied. The linear range for each compound ranged from 0.02 μg/mL to 37.50 μg/mL. The R 2 values ranged from 0.996 to 0.999. The LOQ values ranged from 0.33 μg/mL to 5.83 μg/mL, and the LOD values ranged from 0.11 μg/mL to 1.92 μg/mL. The precision values ranged from 0.20% to 8.10% RSD. In addition, forensic samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) in an interlaboratory comparison test, with higher CBD and THC content than GC-MS determination ( p < 0.05) in samples. Overall, this study highlights the importance of optimizing GC techniques to avoid mislabeling cannabinoids in cannabis samples.

In this study, an exhaustive analysis of the species Cannabis sativa L. was carried out, focusing on the terpenoid and cannabinoid profiles of inflorescences from five different varieties and four intra-specific hybrids. In addition, terpenoid and cannabinoid compositions of seed oils from these same Cannabis varieties were examined. Aromatic compounds were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GS-MS) while cannabinoids were by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical analysis were performed to determine the relationship between aromatic compounds within varieties for classification. A total of 71 naturally occurring aromatic compounds were identified, including 27 terpenoids and 10 isomers. Terpenoid clustering from the different inflorescence groups confirmed the commercial aromatic description of each Cannabis variety; however, they were not associated with the clusters observed in the cannabinoid profiles. Seed oils contained trace amounts of both aromatic compounds and cannabinoids, suggesting a migration of components during the industrial extraction process. This study contributes to understanding cannabis chemistry and emphasizes the importance of ongoing research of cannabis-derived products throughout comprehensive analysis of cannabinoid content, and especially aromatic profile in varieties. It can guide the development of targeted breeding programs, complex classification of varieties and formulation of cannabis-based products tailored to specific applications. • Cannabis sativa chemotypes are currently in high demand for therapeutic treatments. • Qualitative aromatic profile from nine chemotypes of Cannabis sativa was determined. • The identification of aromatic compounds clarified odor differences among chemotypes. • Terpenes/terpenoids were the predominant aromatic compounds identified in chemotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]