// Definition
An analytical chemistry technique used to separate and identify volatile compounds in cannabis. GC is particularly suited for analyzing decarboxylated products like hemp-derived Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC distillates, where acidic precursor forms are absent.
// From the Episode
Dr. Mark explained on episode 226 that Cayman Chemical developed and published an application note on using gas chromatography instead of HPLC to analyze Delta-8 products, inspired by KCA lab's Dr. Richard Markx. Since hemp-derived cannabinoid products have already been decarboxylated, there are no acid forms to worry about, making GC a valid and often superior analytical approach for detecting isomer contaminants.