// Science · Glossary

Terpene Testing Gaps

⚗️ Science First mentioned: Ep. 056

The significant shortcomings in current cannabis analytical testing for terpenes, where labs typically test for only 8-12 known terpene compounds, leaving 70-80% of the terpene profile as 'unknown.' Cannabis contains 200-300+ terpene compounds, most of which are not included in standard testing panels.

Mark Scialdone and Tony Verzura discussed how current lab testing gives incomplete results. Tony noted that when he sends his steam-distilled terpenes to labs, they report 20-30% purity with 70-80% unknown terpene profile, because they only test for 8-12 compounds. Mark called this an 'F in physical chemistry' and offered to do proper analytical work. The discussion highlighted the gap between what state-mandated testing covers and what a full terpene profile contains.

Ep. 056 Hash Church LV 55