Cannabis terpenes are an aromatic class of unsaturated hydrocarbons, responsible for the characteristic odor we smell.

Produced in the trichomes of a hemp plant - the same glands present in the inflorescences that also produce cannabinoids such as THC and CBD - terpenes are those aromatic oils that give plants in general, and the different varieties of marijuana, the aromas and the most disparate flavours, such as:

  • Citrus fruits;
  • Berries;
  • Mint;
  • Moss;
  • Pine resin, etc...

So whether a cannabis plant has a sweet and fruity aroma or a musky and pungent scent, the main culprits are the terpenes of cannabis .

As with many other plants with intense and aromatic smells, even in cannabis the production of terpenes arises for adaptive purposes: to repel predators and attract pollinators .

However, the production of terpenes in cannabis plants , in addition to being closely related to the genetics of a plant, can also be influenced by other factors such as:

  1. The climate;
  2. The temperature;
  3. Fertilizers ;
  4. The type of substrate used;
  5. The age of the plant and its maturation.

There are over 100 varieties of terpenes identified in cannabis plants and each variety has its own particular types of terpenes or a combination of different terpenes in various concentrations.

In other words, a strain like Cheese , or its descendants, will always have a discernible cheese smell, while Blueberry will always have an aftertaste reminiscent of blueberry or berries in general.

Medical cannabis research has focused so avidly on cannabinoids and the psychoactive characteristics of a plant that we almost completely forget the importance of these aromatic compounds when choosing a cannabis variety that has a similar aroma to our palate.

In the following paraghraps we will explain the types and characteristics of terpenes, so that you can best choose the variety of marijuana that best suits you.

Interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids: what are their effects?

Although terpenes are mainly associated with the typical aroma that defines a species of marijuana, another even more fascinating characteristic is their ability to interact synergistically with other plant compounds, such as cannabinoids .

For example, terpenes in cannabis are able to change how much THC passes through the blood-brain barrier.

They do not carry out the same psychoactive effect as THC, but may work by altering mood through interaction with the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin .

Other terpenes can give a more stimulating and regenerating sensation, still others have a soothing and relaxing effect. Other terpene profiles, on the other hand, can increase and amplify the healing effect of CBD.

These aromatic molecules, in fact, are able to act in synergy with THC and CBD, modulating and enhancing their beneficial effect on the body. This phenomenon in science is called the entourage effect .

In essence, researches have shown that the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes could result in some beneficial therapeutic effects for the treatment of some health conditions. These effects, as we will also see later, change according to the terpene variety.

However, in general, we can say that terpenes are capable of:

  • affect mood;
  • Reduce stress and anxiety;
  • Increase concentration and attention;
  • Improve brain functions;
  • Stimulate the immune system;
  • Increase blood flow;
  • Promote sleep and appetite;
  • Relieve pain;
  • Eradicate respiratory pathogens.

In short, with their unlimited combinations of synergistic effects , terpenes will open the doors to new medical-scientific horizons of cannabis research.

Terpenes: properties and types

Terpenes, which give weed its unmistakable and delicious aroma, can be divided into two broad groups:

  • Sesquiterpenes;
  • Monoterpenes.

The latter are small, light and volatile, and are mainly found in the inflorescences of a plant. Sesquiterpenes, on the other hand, are found in the leaves. They are much larger and heavier terpenes, but also those that have the greatest beneficial effects for humans.

As we mentioned earlier, to date, at least 120 terpene profiles have been identified . Below, you will find a list of the most common ones with a brief description of their characteristics and therapeutic properties.

The most common terpene profiles in cannabis

ALPHA-PINENE, BETA-PINENE TERPENES

  • Aroma: Pine resin
  • Effects: Alertness, aids memory, counteracts some effects of THC
  • Medical Use: Asthma, antiseptic
  • Also found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley and dill
  • Marijuana Strains with Alto Pinene: Trainwreck, Jack Herer , Budda Kush , Super Silver Haze , Nortern Light

MYRCENE TERPENE

  • Aroma: Musk, cloves, earthy, with notes of citrus and tropical fruits
  • Effects: Sedative, relaxing
  • Medical Use: Antioxidant, anticancer, muscle relaxant, pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant
  • Also found in: Mango, lemongrass, thyme and hops
  • High Myrcene Cannabis Strains: Lemon Tree , El Nino, Himalayan Gold, Skunk #1 , White Widow

LIMONENE TERPENE

  • Aroma: Citrus
  • Effects: Good mood, release stress
  • Medical Use: Fungicide, antibacterial, anticancer, eliminates gallstones, mood enhancer; it can also be used for gastrointestinal complications, heartburn and depression
  • Also found in: Citrus peel, rosemary, peppermint and juniper
  • Marijuana Strains with High Limonene: Super Lemon Haze , Green Gelato , OG Kush , Lemon Skunk

CARYOPHYLLENE TERPENE

  • Aroma: Pepper, spicy woody, cloves
  • Effects: No noticeable physical effects
  • Medical Use: Gastro-protector, anti-inflammatory; also good for arthritis, ulcers, autoimmune diseases and other gastrointestinal problems
  • Also found in: Black pepper, cloves and cotton
  • High Caryophyllene Cannabis Strain: Hash Plant

LINALOOL TERPENE

  • Aroma: Floral, citrus, candy
  • Effects: Relieves anxiety, sedative
  • Medical Use: Anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti acne
  • Also found in: Lavender
  • Marijauna Strains with High Linalool: G-13, Amnesia Haze, Lavender, Zombie kush , LA Confidential

TERPINOLENE TERPENE

  • Aroma: Pine, herbaceous, aniseed, lime
  • Effects: Analgesic, painkiller, digestive
  • Medical Use: Anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti acne
  • Also found in: Coriander
  • High Terpinolene Cannabis Strain: Kosher Kush

TERPINEOL TERPENE

  • Aroma: Lilac flowers, citrus, woody
  • Medical Use: Calming, antibacterial, antiviral, boosts immune system
  • Also found in: Artemisia
  • Marijuana Strain with High Terpineol: Jack Herer

HUMULENE TERPENE

  • Aroma: strong herbaceous, earthy
  • Medical Use: Anti-inflammatory
  • Also found in: Basil
  • Cannabis Strains with High Umulene: Mazar , LSD

OCIMENE TERPENE

  • Aroma: Green citrus, woody, tropical fruits
  • Medical Use: Decongestant, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal
  • Also found in: Thyme and alfalfa
  • Marijuana variety with Ocimene: Sweet mango

BORNEOL TERPENE

  • Aroma: Camphor, earthy
  • Medical Use: Analgesic, anti insomnia, antiseptic and bronchodilator
  • Also found in: Valerian, Rosemary, Lemongrass
  • Cannabis strains with High Borneol: K13, Silver Haze

Extraction of terpenes from cannabis: how does it happen?

Terpenes are very delicate substances that require particular attention in the extraction process , in order to best preserve their aromas. Nowdays, it is possible to distinguish at least two ways of isolating terpenes:

  1. Solvent-free extraction;
  2. Extraction with solvents.

The first mode of extraction usually uses steam distillation and hydro-distillation. Two methods used in the past also by perfumers.

By bringing the water to a boil inside a distiller, the steam separates the lighter essential oils contained in the terpenes, which are then collected in a condenser which cools the steam, separating the water from the volatile components (the oils) which can so be collected.

Solvent extraction , on the other hand, uses substances such as carbon dioxide (CO2). At a certain level of heat and pressure, carbon dioxide gas turns into a supercritical fluid.

This fluid is passed through the plant material, obtaining a concentrate which will then be dried by vacuum evaporation , which will allow the terpenes to be isolated from the solvents.

The extraction of terpenes finds space in many sectors: from cosmetics to that of vaporization - here terpenes are added to e-liquids to enhance their aroma -, up to the food sector - where terpenes are used by food producers to enhance the taste of honey, jams, beers and oil.

Another widespread use is that which employs terpenes to enhance the aroma and flavor of a light cannabis plant, which is not very aromatic by nature.

How to use terpenes to flavor flowers, cbd and other products

Therefore, terpenes can be used in different ways and with various dosages, to flavor foods, drinks and oils . Or they can be diluted in CBD e-liquids.

Some growers also exploit the aromatic properties of terpenes by applying a small amount directly to the inflorescences of a light cannabis plant, to intensify their characteristic aroma.

Similarly, it is possible to add terpene extracts to other products as well. In fact, just add a drop to flavor and make it even more fragrant: crystals, THC preparations, CBD and cannabis-based oils.

Adding terpenes to hemp plants: how to do it?

If you want to enhance the aroma of the inflorescences of your light cannabis plant, just add a single drop of liquid terpene.

However, there are some growing techniques that can naturally stimulate more terpene production to maximize the aroma of the strains you're growing even more. These are two cultivation techniques that aim to stress the plants in a controlled way, so as not to damage them:

  • Low Stress Training (LST) : consists of manipulating the shape of the plant, acting on the ramifications themselves and forcing them to grow more slowly and with greater exposure to light. In this way you will have small plants with a greater production of flowers with intense aromas;
  • Lowering the temperature in the grow : this not only stimulates a higher production of terpenes, but also helps to preserve the existing ones. In fact, excessive temperatures can negatively affect the aroma of your plant.

Let's see in the next paragraph the other possible uses of liquid terpenes.

Liquid cannabis terpenes: how are they used?

Liquid terpenes are nothing more than the aromatic oils extracted from the plant and which give each single variety a unique and unmistakable taste. Terpenes in liquid format can be used in several ways:

  1. You will be able to give your flowers the aroma you like best;
  2. You can add a few drops to a vaporizer or room diffuser;
  3. You can apply them to the skin, diluted in coconut oil or other vegetable oil.

Of course, you can also dilute them in e-liquids and cannabis concentrates to enhance flavors and effects. Just be careful, once terpenized, to keep the product tightly closed for a longer lasting aroma.

At Grow Shop Italia you will find a large variety of 100% pure terpene profiles and obtained only through natural extraction, carried out without any solvent, totally free of pitches, waxes and thc.

The liquid terpenes for sale on our site first of all comply with the European legislation on vaporization. They are sold in a convenient bottle with a freshness-saving cap, to preserve their aroma for a long time.

Among the available fragrances we find: 

The vials of liquid terpenes are ideal for flavoring products without taste and taste. Stored in a dry and cool environment, away from light and sources of heat and humidity, they act optimally, releasing all their heady scent.

Visit the Grow Shop Italia website and discover our offer of cannabis terpenes . Buy the aroma that tickles your sense of smell and add the fragrance you want to foods, cosmetics, herbal extracts, oils and e-liquids.