Retail Cannabis - What are cannabis terpenes and what do they do?
If you’ve ever used cannabis, you’re likely familiar with the strong smell of the plant. That smell comes from something called terpenes, and it can range from sweet and fruity to skunky and musky depending on the strain. But what exactly are these terpenes? Where do they come from? The team at Soma Leaf Co. wanted to take a look at the science behind cannabis terpenes.
Where do Cannabis terpenes come from?
Cannabis terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. Terpenes contribute to a variety of smells and flavours that we experience when using marijuana, as well as certain therapeutic effects. There are over 200 different terpene molecules that have been identified in cannabis so far, but only a few make up the bulk of each strain's profile. The most common ones include myrcene, pinene, limonene, caryophyllene, linalool, humulene, and bisabolol.
The primary source of cannabis terpenes is cannabinoids like THC and CBD. These molecules break down when exposed to heat or light into smaller components that form terpenes. This process is known as “decarboxylation” or “decarbing” for short. During decarboxylation, THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) breaks down into THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) breaks down into CBD (cannabidiol), etc., releasing some of their aromatic compounds along the way.
Terpene production also occurs naturally in cannabis plants during their flowering period. As the plant matures and becomes exposed to more sunlight and warmer temperatures, its cannabinoid profile changes due to decarboxylation and the production of new compounds such as terpenoids and flavonoids. This is why dried flower often smells different than fresh flower; it has been decarbed by nature releasing its aromatic compounds!
Therapeutic Benefits of Terpenes
Terpenes have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties. For example, linalool—a terpene commonly found in lavender—is known to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Limonene—found in citrus fruits like oranges—has been studied for its potential cancer-fighting properties while pinene—found in pine needles—has been shown to improve cognitive function.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Cannabis Products
Cannabis products come in many different forms such as oils, edibles, tinctures, topicals, capsules, concentrates and more. To get the most out of your products it’s important to understand which terpene profiles work best for your particular needs. You should also pay attention to product labels which will include information on ingredients as well as cannabinoid content (THC/CBD). This will help you select the right product for you based on your desired effects. The budtenders at Soma leaf Co. are ready and willing to help you better understand which terpenes are in each of our products.
Now that you know where cannabis terpenes come from, you can appreciate them even more! When selecting your next strain of marijuana, it is important to consider not only its cannabinoid content but also its terpene profile as this will affect both taste/smell as well as potential therapeutic benefits. By understanding what these molecules are capable of doing you can ensure that you get the most out of your cannabis products by selecting those with specific terpene profiles that meet your individual needs. With so many strains available on the market today there is sure to be one with just the right combination that appeals to your specific needs! Whether you are looking for an uplifting strain or one with calming effects - keep an eye out for those all-important aromas!
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