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terpenes
The Science of Terpenes: How They Affect the Flavor and Effect of Your Cannabis
Cannabis is a complex plant that's much more than just THC and CBD. It's a botanical universe teeming with a variety of compounds, each contributing to the plant's unique profile. Among these compounds, terpenes play a critical role.
They influence not only the flavor and aroma of your cannabis but also its effects. Let's delve into the science of terpenes and their significance.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are organic compounds produced by a wide variety of plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the plant's distinct aroma and flavor. Terpenes are nature's way of protecting plants by deterring herbivores and attracting the predators and parasites of these plant-eating animals.
In cannabis, over 200 terpenes have been identified, each adding a unique note to the aroma and flavor of different strains. Beyond their sensory influence, terpenes also interact with other cannabis compounds, influencing the plant's effects in what is known as the entourage effect.
The Entourage Effect: A Symphony of Compounds
The entourage effect is a concept in cannabinoid science referring to the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in cannabis. This means the combined effect of these compounds is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
With terpenes specifically, they can modify how much THC crosses the blood-brain barrier and affect the dopamine and serotonin levels, enhancing or mitigating the effects of cannabinoids. This is why different cannabis strains, each with a unique terpene profile, can produce different experiences.
Noteworthy Terpenes in Cannabis
While there are over 200 terpenes in cannabis, some are more common and influential. Let's look at a few:
Myrcene: Known for its earthy and musky scent, myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis. It's believed to produce relaxing effects.
Limonene: As the name suggests, limonene has a citrusy aroma. It is associated with stress relief and mood enhancement.
Caryophyllene: This terpene has a spicy, peppery aroma. It is unique as it can also bind to cannabinoid receptors, potentially offering anti-inflammatory effects.
Pinene: This terpene has a fresh pine scent and is associated with increased alertness and memory retention.
Linalool: Known for its floral aroma, linalool is also found in lavender. It is associated with calming and relaxing effects.
The Importance of Quality Glassware from Tank Glass
Understanding terpenes and their influence on your cannabis experience underscores the importance of using quality glassware like those offered by Tank Glass.
With our American-made, durable, and high-quality glass pieces, you can fully appreciate the flavor profile of your chosen cannabis strain.
Moreover, using a clean glass piece ensures that you are tasting the terpenes in your cannabis with no residue from previous sessions. It ensures a purer, richer, and more enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
The world of cannabis is rich and complex, with terpenes playing a key role in shaping the flavor, aroma, and effects of different strains. As you explore various strains, take a moment to appreciate the symphony of terpenes contributing to your overall experience.
And remember, to truly appreciate these nuances, quality glassware is a must—Trust Tank Glass to deliver the quality you need to elevate your cannabis experience to new heights.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as professional medical advice. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or qualified expert before making any decisions about your health or lifestyle changes. The use and consumption of cannabis are ultimately personal decisions and should be made based on individual health considerations and legal regulations in your area.
terpenes
What the Heck are Cannabis Terpenes?
You’ve heard plenty about cannabinoids, right? But what about terpenes?Terpenes are another one of the chemical components of cannabis. These aren’t just found in marijuana but many different plants and even in some insects. In fact, terpenes are what give us sensory feedback in the way of smells. So how is this important when it comes to marijuana?Well, there’s a thing called the “entourage effect” when it comes to the interplay between healing cannabinoids and terpenes. They are designed in nature to work together as a partnership. So, you can still get effects from individual cannabinoid components such as THC or CBD, but researchers are finding that utilizing the whole plant may be the most beneficial use. Terpenes have the ability to amplify or downplay the effects of cannabinoids. This explains why two products of similar strains can have very different aromas and effects. When it comes to cannabis, those terpenes can have a profound effect on your overall experience. Some cannabis producers are even focusing on terpenes and blends to enhance their products’ effectiveness. There are over 20,000 terpenes found in nature with cannabis having about 100 of them. But there are some that are in high concentrations in cannabis.
Myrcene -- this is the terpene that is found in the highest concentration in cannabis. Some strains are almost completely made up of myrcene. This terpene most often is the determining factor behind whether a strain is an Indica or a Sativa. Low myrcene (less than 0.5 percent) will be Indica. Myrcene has a relaxing effect.
Limonene -- the second-highest concentration terpene in cannabis is limonene which is also found in citrus fruits. Although not found in all strains, it has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Limonene helps to counteract stress while enhancing mood.
Pinene -- Pinene is commonly found in pine trees giving them their distinctive aroma. This is further broken down into alpha and beta. Alpha has a stronger pine scent whereas beta smells more like an herb like rosemary or parsley. Pinene has the ability to widen breathing airways, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for centuries in medications.
Linalool -- linalool is what gives lavender it’s relaxation attributes and is known for relieving stress, combating anxiety and has antidepressant attributes.
Caryophyllene -- this terpene has a spicy, peppery aroma and is also found in pepper and cinnamon. It helps with anxiety, depression and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Humulene -- although many cannabis strains have been known to increase appetite, those that have a high amount of humulene have been shown to help decrease appetite.
These are only some of the terpenes found in our current cannabis strains. The future of cannabis may just rest as much on terpenes as cannabinoids with the future of cultivation of certain hybrid strains for particular effects. That being said, terpenes are sensitive to carbonization with each one having its own temperature threshold. Consequently, getting the full effect of a specific terpene may be limited when smoking.