Thanks to advancements in science & technology, researchers are gaining a more profound knowledge of the cannabis plant and realizing that industrial hemp and cannabis offer benefits beyond their cannabinoid content. As a result, you can experience the therapeutic effects of terpenes just by smelling them, so you don’t even need to smoke or consume them to benefit from their health benefits. You can discover all the information you need to know regarding these substances in this post.
- What Are Terpenes?
The cannabis plant contains these oils, which give it a distinct flavor and scent. THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are produced by the same sticky glands in cannabis plants that also contain a wealth of terpenes. These substances, however, are present in a wide variety of plant species, including fruits and herbs, in addition to the cannabis plant.
Terpenes are organic hydrocarbon molecules that result from the combination of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Regarding cannabis, the secreting cells create the chemicals in the Glandular Trichome. Increased light exposure causes cannabis plants to produce more terpenes. Furthermore, terpenes, like other cannabinoids, primarily collect in the released resin. The terpene evaporation temperature is also very important since it affects its quality.
- Factors that affect terpene levels in cannabis
They include:
- Climate
- Soil type
- Harvest time
- Maturation level
In order to ward off predators and draw pollinators, plants initially generate terpenes. These substances may be helpful for human usage since research indicates they may have therapeutic qualities.
- How Do Terpenes in Cannabis Work?
The distinction between CBD and THC is a topic of conversation frequently, but terpenes are rarely brought up. That is inaccurate because these substances can also interact with the human body. It would be better to talk about how terpenes function to understand them and their impacts. These molecules work in tandem with other compounds to enhance their effects and facilitate the delivery of their advantages.
The term “entourage effect” refers to a process wherein many components of cannabis combine to maximize the plant’s overall psychoactive effects. The objective is to determine the optimal ratio of terpenes to cannabinoids for the desired result.
- What Are Terpenes Used For?
Mainly utilized in marijuana products are terpenes derived from the cannabis plant. These products may include concentrations, along with lotions, salves, foods, and other items. Because terpenes can provide distinct flavor and scent profiles that many cannabis enthusiasts find appealing, producers of various concentrates will sometimes add terpenes back into the finished product after extraction.
- What Are the Different Types of Cannabis Terpenes?
Cannabis has a large number of the more than 150 terpenes that are known to exist. Having said that, if you enjoy learning about various terpene profiles with different terpene evaporation temperatures, there is a short list of terpenes that you’ll encounter very often.
- Pinene: One of the most widely used terpenes in cannabis production to produce a fresh pine aroma is pinene, which can produce a variety of scents in the plant, from woodsy undertones to strong Christmas tree scents.
- Caryophyllene: This same terpene gives black pepper its powerful, sneeze-inducing aroma but also lends cinnamon’s flavor with its sweet undertones.
- Limonene: This terpene possesses a lemony scent and flavor reminiscent of a bowl of fresh citrus fruits.
- Linalool: Lavender gets its distinct, calming perfume from this terpene, which has a mild flowery scent.
- Myrcene: Three adjectives best describe this tasty terpene: tropical, woodsy, and peppery.
There are many ways to experiment with terpenes, regardless of your preference for a wide range of cannabis strains or pot extracts with potent scents. You can choose from strains known for their flavor, or you can weigh your alternatives & ask your budtender about the terpene profiles of each.