What are Cannabis Derived Terpenes?
What are Cannabis Derived Terpenes?
A few years back, terpenes were just another component of Cannabis. Most people didn’t know what they were. Many companies filtered them to achieve the results of pure Cannabis. However, later research found how terpenes can change the Cannabis game by enhancing its already present effects. Terpenes reside in various plants, fruits, and vegetables and impart unique advantages to each counterpart.
Terpenes are unknowingly part of our daily routine, as you may find them in scented candles, perfumes, and even aromatic bath bombs. You will notice a standard feature as you consider everything containing terpenes; the aroma!
This article will discuss the scope of cannabis derived terpenes, their benefits, and the possible drawbacks. Let's get started.
Introduction to Terpenes:
Terpenes are molecules or substances found in natural edibles like fruits, vegetables, and even insects. If you prefer the smell and taste of oranges more than those of mangoes, it indicates that you like terpenes related to oranges more than those of mangoes.
Fruits and vegetables are usually developed in flowers and buds. Trichomes are most abundant in buds and trichomes of a plant. However, the mode of action, effects, and drawbacks are different when we talk about Cannabis derived terpenes.
What are Cannabis derived Terpenes?
Research has unveiled how cannabis derived terpenes have significant psychoactive effects. cannabis derived terpenes exist naturally in buds and trichomes of Cannabis plants and impart unique flavor and aroma to different strains.
The Cannabis derived terpenes are valuable for the plant as they are a natural pest repellent. These terpenes keep parasites away from the plant and support it in attracting food.
These natural terpenes hold a great value because they are all-natural. Contrary to the terpenes formulated in the laboratory, the nutrients inside the ground collaborate to bring up Cannabis derived terpenes.
Properties of Cannabis-Derived Terpenes:
You might have observed shiny and sticky crystals on certain buds and trichomes; these are terpenes and a network of terpenes.
There are above 120 types of terpenes in the Cannabis plant. Being sticky terpenes lure and provide attachment to food and pollinators to enhance the pollination of the Cannabis plant. Each strain of Cannabis will present a distinct terpene profile with a unique composition and terpene type.
How do Cannabis Derived Terpenes help the Cannabis Plant?
Besides attracting pollinators and keeping away the pests, there are a lot of favors that terpenes offer to the cannabis plant.
They are somehow responsible for the popularity of cannabis; the aim was to attract pollinators, but it ended up drawing the whole world.
Researchers now believe terpenes are responsible for different effects of hundreds of Cannabis strains. The type and density of terpenes, CBD, THC, and other Cannabinoids determine the overall impact of a particular cannabis strain. Nonetheless, unique aromas related to specific strains like earthy, citrusy, and fruity are solely associated with the terpene content.
You may grab a better concept by comparing different botanical and cannabis derived terpenes.
Popular Cannabis Derived Terpenes:
Let's have an overview of popular cannabis derived terpenes to understand how a terpene can impart properties that are different from the other terpene.
Limonene:
Have you ever come across a lemon or orange plant? A robust citrusy aroma hits you as soon as you get closer to orange plants and even when you peel them off. Limonene is the terpene responsible for this citrusy aroma and taste. Limonene is abundant in Cannabis strains like White Fire OG and Wedding Cake. It may help people with their mental health issues and physiological issues like inflammation and pain.
Linalool:
Linalool is nature's gift to Lavender lovers. Linalool is mainly responsible for lavender-based scented candles, bath bombs, soaps, and air fresheners; it imparts a similar aroma to certain Cannabis strains, including Kosher Kush, Zkittles, and Do-si-Dos. This terpene has been used for aromatherapy purposes for years and is thus, famous for its relaxing properties.
Myrcene:
Peppery and spicy notes of myrcene with sweet floral undertones are evident in mangoes, thyme, and Cannabis strains like Cherry Pie, OG Kush, and Blue Dream. It may alleviate your sleep and some other physiological issues. It is a famous flavoring agent with anti-inflammatory and anabolic properties.
Caryophyllene:
Caryophyllene plays a double role in being a terpene and a Cannabinoid. You may find it in black pepper and cloves; it has a peppery aroma and taste. Purple Punch, Original Glue, and Girl Scout Cookies are the Cannabis strains that hold a significant amount of Caryophyllene.
Pinene:
Pinene, as the name indicates, has something to do with the aroma and taste of pine trees. One can experience its predominantly woody and slightly minty tone by trying particular cannabis strains like Critical Mass, Big Smooth, and Snoop's Dream. There are two types of Pinenes; alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Beta-pinene is most significant in cannabis. Basil, rosemary, and pine needles have pinenes in a tremendous amount. Users have reported enhanced alertness and focus with Pinene-dominant Cannabis strains.
Hailed as the most abundant and commonly found cannabis derived terpenes, the following terpenes are also under the spotlight:
- Bisabolol
- Isopulegol
- Citral
- Eucalyptol
- Nerolidol
- Humulene
- Ocimene
- Sabinene
- Terpineol
- Valencene
Effects of Cannabis Derived Terpenes:
Cannabis derived terpenes are valuable for the plant as well as the consumers. Farmers have to pay less attention to cannabis. Plants with dense terpenes as they keep the pests away. They spread on their own as the sticky terpene layer on buds and trichomes attract pollinators.
For the consumers, the "Entourage effect" caused by terpenes is of great importance. It refers to the non-THC content of cannabis, i.e., terpenes collaborating with THC content and other Cannabinoids to enhance the psychoactive effects.
Different terpenes work for physical health differently, so people who experience nausea with cannabis can try strains that hold terpenes with antiemetic properties to evade the issue.
The distinct flavor and aroma allow you to choose the strain that makes good friends with your taste buds and olfactory sensation.
We hope that you have a better understanding of cannabis derived terpenes. When looking for different flavors make sure to check out the Callie’s Menu at all of our locations!
