Cannabis is renowned for its psychoactive properties and complex chemical profile, which includes a fascinating group of compounds known as terpenes. These naturally occurring compounds provide flavor and aroma as well as enhance the effects of cannabis.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the science of cannabis terpenes, the most common types, their effects on the body, and how they can be preserved and optimized in cannabis products.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds primarily responsible for the aromas and flavors in plants, including herbs, fruits, flowers, and even cannabis sativa. The female cannabis plants are known for producing flowers rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, which are crucial for the plant's reproductive success and therapeutic efficacy.
Terpenes in Cannabis
In cannabis, terpenes activate and enhance the plant’s medicinal and therapeutic properties. We also find that the cannabis or hemp terpenes are not merely byproducts but integral to the unique effects of different cannabis strains.
Cannabis plants' unique properties are largely defined by their terpene profiles. Terpenes play a crucial role in enhancing the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids through their synergistic interactions with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. This interaction often leads to the phenomenon called the entourage effect.
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is a concept where the various components in cannabis, like terpenes and cannabinoids, work together to enhance the overall effects and benefits. This means that the full spectrum of the cannabis extract—not just the isolated cannabinoids—contributes to its potency and effectiveness.
When you choose a cannabis strain, the specific terpene profiles, together with other compounds, play a key role in tailoring your experience, be it for pain relief or relaxation.
Extraction and Preservation of Terpenes
Extraction techniques are crucial for capturing the purest and most potent forms of terpenes. Here are the primary methods employed within the industry:
Steam Distillation: This method utilizes steam to vaporize the volatile compounds like terpenes from the cannabis material. The vaporized compounds are then condensed into a liquid form, effectively separating the terpenes from the plant fibers.
Hydrodistillation: Similar to steam distillation, this process involves submerging the plant material in water and then boiling it. The heat and steam together help release the terpenes, which are collected after the steam condenses.
Solvent Extraction: In this method, chemical solvents are used to dissolve the desired compounds from the plant material. After extraction, the solvent is evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated mixture of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction: This technique uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and controlled temperatures to extract terpenes and cannabinoids. It’s highly efficient and produces a pure, solvent-free extract.
Cold Trapping: Targeting more sensitive terpenes, cold trapping involves cooling the vapors produced during the distillation process. This method captures terpenes at lower temperatures to preserve their delicate structures and maintain their aromatic and therapeutic integrity.
Common Cannabis Terpenes
With over 20,000 known varieties, terpenes are the most abundant and diverse chemical compounds in nature. In cannabis, we find a spectrum of 200-400 unique terpenes that contribute to their distinctive aromas and therapeutic properties. Here are the most common ones:
Myrcene: The most prevalent terpene in cannabis, known for its earthy, musky aroma reminiscent of cloves. Myrcene is a cornerstone in determining the sedative effects of a strain, often sought after for pain relief and as a sleep aid.
Limonene: This terpene, often found in citrus fruits, enhances mood, and alleviates stress. It is commonly found in strains that exhibit bright, uplifting effects.
Linalool: With its floral and spicy notes, linalool is akin to lavender and is valued for its calming effects, which may help with depression and sleep disorders.
Caryophyllene: Spicy and peppery, β-caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors and is noted for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Studies have shown that it can be effective in helping with neuropathic pain.
Pinene (Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene): Known for its sharp pine aroma, pinene promotes alertness and can counteract some of the intoxicating effects of THC.
Humulene: Earthy and woody, humulene is an appetite suppressant and exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Ocimene: This terpene is known for its sweet, herbal, and woody aroma, contributing to a strain's uplifting effects.
Terpinolene: A complex terpene with floral, herbal, and citrus notes, known for its sedative qualities and enhancing the sensory experience of cannabis.
Geraniol: Floral and rosy, geraniol is pleasant in aroma and offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Bisabolol: With a subtle floral scent, bisabolol is known for its skin-healing properties and is often used in cosmetics as well as in cannabis treatments.
Eucalyptol: Refreshing and minty, eucalyptol is found in eucalyptus and is utilized for its cooling and pain-relieving effects.
Camphene: Reminiscent of damp woodlands, camphene is valued in cannabis for its ability to treat fungal infections and lower cholesterol.
Borneol: With a minty aroma, borneol is used for its sedative effects and as an analgesic.
Terpineol: Known for its pleasant lilac scent, terpineol is primarily used for its relaxing effects and is often found in calming strains.
Terpene Profiles and Their Effects
Terpenes are potent biochemical mediators. They can affect neurotransmitter systems and enhance the medicinal effects of cannabinoids through their ability to:
Reduce inflammation: Terpenes like β-caryophyllene engage CB2 receptors, which are known to modulate inflammation.
Alleviate pain: Most terpenes, like myrcene and linalool are particularly noted for their analgesic properties.
Promote relaxation and reduce anxiety: Many terpenes promote relaxation and uplift mood, making them ideal for psychological conditions.
Improve respiratory health: Pinene has a bronchodilatory effect on the respiratory passages.
Strains and Their Terpene Profiles
The therapeutic impact of your favorite cannabis strains play a key role in defining both strength and subtlety in effects. Knowing which terpenes are dominant in a strain can help you choose the right cannabis for your needs:
High Myrcene Strains: Indica-dominant strains like Blue Dream and Granddaddy Purple are rich in myrcene, which provides a sedative effect ideal for relaxation and sleep.
High Limonene Strains: Sativa-dominant strains such as Super Lemon Haze and Sour Diesel are noted for their uplifting effects, courtesy of their high limonene content.
High Caryophyllene Strains: Hybrid strains like Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) and White Widow are known for their substantial caryophyllene levels, which contribute to their powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
High Linalool Strains: Strains like Amnesia Haze and Lavender, rich in linalool, are excellent for their calming effects and ability to reduce stress.
High Pinene Strains: Strains such as Jack Herer and Dutch Treat, which are high in pinene, offer improved alertness and respiratory relief.
How To Use Cannabis Terpenes
Here's how you can effectively use these potent compounds:
Aromatherapy: Utilize terpenes in cannabis for aromatherapy to leverage their calming or energizing effects, depending on the terpene. For instance, linalool's lavender-like scent is perfect for relaxation, while limonene's citrus aroma can uplift your mood. Simply add a few drops of terpene extracts to a diffuser or a warm bath.
Culinary Uses: Incorporate cannabis-derived terpenes into your cooking to add depth to flavors and aromas in your cuisine. A drop of myrcene can enrich a mango smoothie and enhance both the taste and the potential wellness effects.
Enhancing Cannabis Products: If you’re a consumer of cannabis extracts or oils, adding isolated terpenes can customize and enhance the effects of your existing products. This is particularly beneficial for medical users looking to achieve specific outcomes.
Topical Applications: Mix terpenes with carrier or essential oils for therapeutic massages or skincare treatments. For instance, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of β-caryophyllene make it an excellent choice for pain relief topicals.
Conclusion
Cannabis terpenes are aromatic compounds found in the cannabis plant that contribute to its distinctive scents and flavors. Popular terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene are celebrated for their unique effects. These terpenes interact synergistically with cannabinoids to enhance their effects—a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
We at Flow Scientific are excited to help you explore the vast potential of cannabis terpenes. Discover the highest quality and most effective terpene blends with us!
Also, read our guide on marketing cannabis terpenes and related products in British Columbia and explore our analysis of how cannabis brands collaborate across borders to learn effective strategies.
Cannabis Terpenes FAQs
What are cannabis terpenes?
Cannabis terpenes are aromatic compounds found naturally in the cannabis plant. They are responsible for the distinct scents and flavors of different cannabis strains and contribute to the plant's therapeutic effects through their interaction with cannabinoids.
What terpenes get you the highest?
Myrcene, limonene, and pinene are known to enhance the psychoactive effects of THC, the main intoxicating compound in cannabis. These terpenes can increase THC's absorption and intensify its effects.
What are the best cannabis terpenes?
The best cannabis terpenes depend on the desired effects. For relaxation, myrcene and linalool are highly regarded, while for mood enhancement, limonene and pinene are favored. Caryophyllene is best for its anti-inflammatory properties.
How much terpenes are in cannabis oil?
The concentration of terpenes in cannabis oil can vary widely, typically ranging from 0.5% to 5%. This variation depends on the extraction method used and how the oil was processed and stored post-extraction.
How many terpenes are in hemp and cannabis?
Both hemp and cannabis contain over 400 different terpenes, though the exact number can vary depending on the strain and cultivation practices. These terpenes are crucial for the plants' aroma and therapeutic properties.
Are cannabis terpenes safe to smoke?
Cannabis terpenes are generally safe to smoke when they are part of natural cannabis flowers or extracts. However, caution is advised when inhaling concentrated terpene extracts, as these can be irritating to the respiratory system when not properly diluted.
Does adding terpenes get you more high?
Adding terpenes to cannabis products can enhance the effects of THC through the entourage effect, potentially leading to a more intense high. This depends on the types of terpenes added and their concentrations.
Do terpenes determine indica or sativa?
Terpenes do not directly determine whether a cannabis plant is indica or sativa. However, they contribute to the distinctive properties of these varieties, with certain terpenes being more prevalent in indica or sativa strains.
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