Objective
Authenticating cannabis extracts and identifying adulteration have become critical to ensuring consumer safety and product efficacy. This study applies chiral gas chromatography (GC) to differentiate naturally derived cannabis terpenes from synthetic or plant-derived analogs, establishing chirality as a key marker of authenticity.

Methods
Chiral GCMS was used to analyze multiple cannabis samples for enantiomeric distribution of key terpenes and cannabinoids. The method focused on the major enantiomeric pairs: (+) and (−) α-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, limonene, linalool, borneol, fenchol, trans-β-caryophyllene, trans-nerolidol, and caryophyllene oxide. Comparative evaluation was conducted between authentic cannabis derived terpenes and synthetic or secondary source materials.

Results
Authentic cannabis samples consistently showed distinct enantiomeric dominance patterns, such as (+) α pinene (88–95%), (+) camphene (55–70%), (+) β pinene (83–87%), (−) limonene (83–93%), (+) linalool (67–95%), (−) borneol (62–84%), (+) fenchol (90–95%), (−) trans β caryophyllene (100%), (+) trans nerolidol (95–99%), and (−) caryophyllene oxide (90–99%). These results demonstrate that while chemical composition may vary slightly between batches or cultivars, the enantiomeric ratios remain consistent for a given species, making chirality a reliable authenticity marker.

Conclusion
Chiral analysis provides a robust scientific foundation for cannabis authentication. Terpene chirality serves as a fingerprint for natural origin and can expose adulteration with synthetic or non cannabis derived components. Understanding and preserving enantiomeric integrity not only enhances quality assurance but also supports the Entourage Effect, ensuring that product efficacy and natural synergy are maintained.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning the use of Chiral chromatography
  
  
• Terpene Chirality is essential for the authentication of the source
  
  
• Cannabinoid chirality plays essential roles in understanding biosynthetic pathways