Terpenes are quite the talk of the town in cannabis production. However, terpenes are not exclusive to cannabis. Each savory and aromatic plant has its own terpene production. In fact, the more terpene inside a plant, the more savory and aromatic it becomes. Let’s read on to learn about terpenes in cannabis.
What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally found in plants and certain animals. They are responsible for their aromas, flavors, and colors. Moreover, they are present in products like solvents, pesticides, and dyes. Some even have therapeutic properties. In cannabis, terpenes give the unique scent and taste of various strains. Though present in almost all plants, terpenes are most abundant in cannabis, citrus fruits, and certain herbs.
Although there are many species of plants that exhibit terpenes for pollination purposes and to ward off predators, terpenes are mostly associated with cannabis because scientists found out that cannabis plants exhibit a high concentration of them. Terpenes in cannabis is also being considered as a way to classify cannabis products and predict their effects.
Recent studies show that not only do terpenes provide a nice aroma, they also deliver medical benefits.
On a lighter note, entrepreneurs, with the help of cannabis farmers, develop techniques and processes to maximize profit as well as heighten the flavor of a cannabis-based product by creating enhancements through terpene production.
Like terpenes in cannabis, there are also a variety of cannabinoids in one single plant. Cannabis farmers and entrepreneurs take note of the presence of these chemical compounds in developing their cannabis strain or variety.
Terpenes vs. Cannabinoids
There are two chemical compounds essential to the production of cannabis products: terpenes and cannabinoids. Terpenes in cannabis are the ones responsible for the flavor and the aroma of the end product. Meanwhile, Cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) produce the “high” whenever the products are ingested into the body.
Different Types of Cannabis Terpenes
As mentioned, there are a handful of types of terpenes in cannabis. These chemicals provide different aromas and flavors to the product. Research shows that in a single cannabis plant, one can find at least 100 varieties of terpenoids. Here are the five most common terpenes in cannabis.
1. Myrcene
The most abundant type of terpene, known for its earthy, red grape-like aroma, Myrcene constitutes 65% of the total number of terpenes in some cannabis strains. Research shows that cannabis strains that are rich in Myrcene can help with inflammatory issues and chronic pain.
2. Limonene
The second most abundant type of terpene is commonly found in citrus fruits and is known for producing a distinct citrusy aroma. Limonene is known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties and can help reduce stress.
3. Linalool
This is the type of terpene that is most commonly associated with marijuana. It’s a mix of spicy, earthy, and floral aromas that are also found in highly relaxing and sedative herbs like lavender, coriander, and cinnamon. Linalool is known for helping patients manage arthritis, depression, and insomnia.
4. Alpha and Beta Pinene
Known for their distinct pine smell, alpha- and beta-pinene are also abundant in herbs like rosemary, basil, and parsley. These terpenes aid in inflammatory issues as well as respiratory issues.
5. Caryophyllene
This terpene is known for its sharp, spicy, and minty aroma. Caryophyllene gives the same aroma and taste as black pepper, oregano, basil, cloves, and rosemary. This type of terpene is used for its analgesic properties as well as an aid for anxiety.
Advantages of Cannabis Consumption
Despite the setbacks in cannabis research, the cannabis industry remains strong and gathers supporters who espouse an alternative lifestyle. Primary research shows that there are a handful of benefits in consuming cannabis-based products, especially those that are rich in cannabis terpenes. The benefits are as follows:
1. Preventing relapse in drug and alcohol addiction
Preliminary experimentation shows that Cannabidiol (CBD) provides therapeutic help for psychiatric disorders like addiction. A study was conducted by observing patients that had gotten out of rehab. The intake of cannabis-based products during times of stress minimizes their need to seek out the substances that they were addicted to.
2. Lowering blood pressure
Another study shows that CBD can help in resolving cardiovascular issues, including the lowering of blood pressure in response to stressful environments.
3. Relieving Chronic Pain
A 2020 study reveals that CBD may help relieve chronic pain, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation. However, the study warns that such effects are condition-specific. To date, the safe and effective dosage of CBD has not been established. As such, more studies need to be conducted to determine how CBD can relieve pain.
4. Treating anxiety disorders
In recent years, the usage of cannabis-based products has been mostly for dealing with anxiety. CBD helps a person calm down and focus through its versatile medical functions.
5. Preventing seizures
This is also in the same logic as treating anxiety disorders. CBD encourages the body and mind to ‘relax,’ thereby preventing the mind from processing too much information. Cannabidiol can stop seizures by activating the CB1 receptors or the cells responsible for the release of neurotransmitters.
How to Extract Terpenes from Cannabis?
Cannabis farmers take note of the type of terpene present or abundant in every cannabis strain they grow. This is important in terms of flavor and medicinal properties. Similar to any type of gardening, it takes extreme care and effort to master how to increase terpenes in cannabis.
1. Gardening knowledge
Make sure to check if the soil has the right amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for the plant’s primary and secondary growth. To ensure an aromatic produce, one must be mindful of the plant’s carbohydrate intake. Creating a feeding schedule that is rich in carbohydrates will ensure an increase in terpenes.
2. Lighting
Light is the primary source of energy for plants, and cannabis is no exception. If you’re farming inside a building or a facility, make sure to install enough light for the plant to grow properly.
3. Extracting
Extracting terpenes from a cannabis plant requires a similar process to extracting volatile oils from herbs. Large distilleries have huge bottles, containers, and equipment that specifically caters to its extraction. The total amount of time in extracting terpenes and volatile oils reaches up to 14 hours.
Learn More About Terpenes With Altitude Organic Cannabis
As the popularity of cannabis-based products rises, people are starting to flock to the market to try their hand in growing marijuana. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with strains and varieties if you are not familiar with the basics.
If you are looking for a Dispensary in Dillon, CO, Altitude Organic cannabis can help you. With knowledgeable staff and fresh produce, you can be sure that the products You get are always top-notch.