Cannabis is a dime a dozen. However, this does not apply to high-quality cannabis products. A comprehensive terpene profile is crucial for the quality of these – Terpenes are the basis for the effects of cannabis. Terpenes are not only important for the effects of cannabis, but also for the taste. Terpenes are not only found in cannabis, but also in many other natural products. We delve into the world of terpenes.
Terpenes: The influence on the effect and taste of cannabis
What are cannabis terpenes?
Most terpenes are of plant origin and are referred to as secondary ingredients. Terpenes are chemical compounds in the cannabis plant that are formed naturally and are particularly concentrated in flowers. Terpenes are also largely responsible for the smell and taste of the cannabis variety and ensure an individual experience.
Where are terpenes found?
Terpenes are not only found in cannabis and CBD, but also in some odorous plants such as roses or lavender. Herbs such as peppermint or oregano also contain spicy terpenes.
Terpenes are mainly contained in the so-called trichomes (secreted resin) of the cannabis plant. It is important that the trichomes and their heads are intact, otherwise the valuable terpenes may be lost.
What terpenes are there in cannabis?
There are currently around 400 different terpenes that have been found in cannabis plants, although not all of them have been researched yet.
Despite this large amount, the following terpenes are among the best known: limonene, myrcene, linalool, bisabolol, pinene, eucalyptol, caryophyllene, terpinolene, ocimene and humulene. This is just a small selection of the known terpenes.
Cannabis has been used in the medical field for a long time and is very popular and successful with end users. This is not just due to the THC or CBD content, but also to the terpenes. Two different cannabis plants with the same THC content were tested and it turned out that the effect is different and this is due to the terpenes and their properties. Terpene limonene has a more activating effect, whereas myrcene is more of a sleep-inducing one.
As far as these are natural terpenes, it can be said that they definitely have positive properties on the effects of hemp.
Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD trigger different effects. But what role do terpenes play in this context? We'll explain.
How informative are terpenes in cannabis?
The terpene profile provides information about the climatic conditions of cultivation, harvest time, processing stress and storage. Each of the points mentioned above is essential for a good terpene profile. The composition (in percentage terms) of the individual terpenes is also relevant for a good terpene profile.
How terpenes work in cannabis
What are the effects of terpenes?
The terpenes alone do not produce an intoxicating effect, but a synergistic effect occurs in combination with THC and CBD. This is also known as the 'entourage effect'.
The effect of THC and CBD can thus be increased or made more intense. Terpenes also play a key role here, because depending on the terpene, an activating or relaxing effect can be produced. But terpenes can do much more, which is why they are also used specifically to treat inflammation, stimulate appetite or counteract depression.
The field of application seems limitless, since only positive properties are known so far.
Depending on the requirements, the terpenes can be used in a targeted manner to achieve the desired effect. If you have trouble sleeping, you should use terpenes such as caryophyllene or myrcene. If you are stressed or listless, limonene or linalool are recommended as they have a mood-enhancing and relaxing effect.
Can terpenes be harmful to humans?
Terpenes alone are not usually considered harmful to human health. In fact, many terpenes have beneficial properties that can have a positive impact on health.
One example is the terpene limonene, which is found in citrus fruits and is often found in certain cannabis strains. Limonene is often associated with anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties. Another well-known terpene is myrcene, which is often found in indica strains and can have calming and relaxing effects.
However, it is important to note that some people may be sensitive to certain terpenes, especially in the form of essential oils or highly concentrated extracts. In these cases, they may experience allergic reactions or irritation. However, it is rare for terpenes to cause serious health problems, especially when consumed in the concentrations and forms commonly found in cannabis products.
How does cannabis work without terpenes?
If a cannabis flower does not contain any terpenes of its own, it is most likely a washed flower. Cannabis without terpenes does not exist naturally. Cannabis flowers use terpenes to protect themselves from pests such as insects.
Since terpenes play a major role in the effect, it can be assumed that a flower without terpenes will have no effect.
Does every cannabis plant have terpenes?
Cannabis flowers naturally contain terpenes so that they can protect themselves from natural enemies such as insects and pests. The terpene profile is unique depending on the cannabis variety. A cannabis plant without terpenes would ultimately not be able to survive and would die due to pest infestation, among other things. Since terpenes are part of the chemical composition of the cannabis plant, all natural CBD flowers contain terpenes. Our CBD flowers are industrial hemp flowers that come from certified industrial hemp seeds from the EU variety catalog.
Difference between natural and artificial terpenes
How are terpenes formed?
The formation of terpenes is a natural process of a healthy cannabis plant and is part of the normal chemical composition.
Environmental influences such as heat and light in appropriate amounts are conducive to a unique terpene profile. Since every cannabis plant has a chemical composition of terpenes from the ground up, it is possible to give the plant what can produce the maximum amount of terpenes by specifically adjusting light, heat and minerals. Terpenes are volatile substances that react very sensitively to environmental influences. Terpenes are found in the trichomes, which are clearly visible under a microscope. The trichomes look like small mushrooms, so trichomes also have a stem and a head. These should be undamaged in order to keep the valuable terpenes in the cannabis plant, which is the case with our CBD flowers.
How do you recognize natural and artificial terpenes?
Natural terpenes are best identified by looking at the trichomes and their intact heads. A healthy cannabis flower has completely intact trichomes that are easily visible under the microscope. If the cannabis plant has a dense cluster of intact trichomes and no powdery or waxy traces are visible, then the terpenes are natural.
There are also artificial terpenes that are subsequently applied/sprayed onto a cannabis plant to enhance the taste or make the smell more intense.
It is possible to extract terpenes using a physical process and use them in a highly concentrated form as an isolate. If this is a high-quality extraction, it is very expensive and therefore very rare. There are also terpenes that are produced synthetically. This is much cheaper and of extremely inferior quality. Aside from the smell and taste, there is no positive effect to be expected here.
What terpenes are in HHC?
HHC flowers cannot be assumed to have a natural terpene profile, as they are a partially chemical cannabinoid - at least in flowers with high HHC percentages. Basically, CBD flowers that are refined with HHC can have a natural terpene profile, but this is completely destroyed by the synthetic refinement process. HHC flowers are often subsequently treated with artificial terpenes to change their smell.
Are artificial terpenes dangerous?
Depending on the manufacturing process, the risk varies between being questionable and harmful to health. The difference in quality is what matters here. Anything that has been artificially produced can contain various harmful residues, which can only be detected through targeted laboratory analyses.
Artificial terpenes do not necessarily have to be absolutely deadly, because basically it is the dose that makes the poison, but artificial terpenes are always to be classified as at least questionable.
Criteria for a good terpene profile
What is a good terpene profile?
The terpene profile is the so-called 'fingerprint' of the plant species. It is made up of the terpenes contained in the plant as a percentage. A good terpene profile can be recognized by the undamaged trichomes and their color. The color can be between milky white, transparent/crystalline and amber. The combination of harmonious terpenes is conducive to a good terpene profile and creates a synergistic effect.
If it is clear that the trichomes are intact, fully grown and present in large numbers, and the flower has an intense smell, then this is also said to have a good terpene profile. Furthermore, the flower should not be too moist or too dry. Not only cannabis flowers have a terpene profile, but also full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils.
How is a terpene profile created in cannabis?
It is important to monitor the cannabis plant to ensure it is supplied with beneficial minerals and useful microorganisms. Regulated light, as well as light cycles and heat, promote the terpene profile. Some growers use LED lamps here, as this is said to improve potency and taste. The use of organic nutrients not only improves the terpene profile, but also generally ensures a high-quality harvest.
Are terpenes popular and what is the most popular terpene profile?
Since it is not only the effect of terpenes but also the smell and taste in the terpene profile, it is a matter of individual preference.
However, the terpene profile with the combination of limonene, humulene, bisabol and linalool is very popular. This not only has an activating effect, but also a balancing effect. The taste is lemony, fresh and provides an invigorating experience.
Terpenes appeal to 3 out of 5 of the human senses. In this case, sight, smell and taste. If you see that the trichomes are intact, the flower appeals to you just by its appearance. If they also smell intensely, you are unlikely to be able to experience the taste of the terpene profile. Terpenes are therefore the flagship of the cannabis flower – which is not only the case with THC cannabis flowers or CBG flowers, but with all cannabinoids.
Which cannabis strain has the best terpene profile?
Cannabis strains have different combinations of terpenes. The best terpene profile is always linked to the individual's preferences. The CBDÍA strains also have terpene profiles that differ greatly from one another. We indicate the respective terpene profile for all flowers. To get to know different terpene profiles, we recommend the Purple Haze and L.A. Amnesia strains, among others.
The effect of terpenes remains undisputed and therefore experienced users can choose the variety/terpene profile that corresponds to the desired effect and taste when purchasing.
