Terpenes: What are they and why should growers be paying attention?
(Sniff, sniff.) Is that cannabis I smell? Actually it’s terpenes.
Terpenes are what give cannabis plants their unique aroma. They are the fragrant oils the plant produces in the same glands where they produce THC and CBD. Until recently, terpenes have not received much attention from growers or medical researchers who have been focused on THC and CBD, which means knowledge about terpenes and their function isn’t too widely spread. Only recently has it come to light that terpenes play a major role when it comes to the unique effects of marijuana. Growers can use terpenes to directly impact their cannabis strains’ high and alter it as they wish. Medical researchers can assess the effects of different combinations of terpenes on THC and CBD to treat patients.
In our daily lives, we interact with a wide variety of plants that are known to produce terpenes or terpenoid compounds. It is postulated that many of the plants known to produce these compounds do so in hopes of deterring would be pests, as these compounds often have a very strong aromatic signature. Think of it like your mosquito spray when you go out to a BBQ.
In cannabis, however, these terpenes and terpenoids serve multiple purposes including acting synergistically with the more widely known THC and CBD molecules. This unique interaction is often referred to as the entourage effect and are what many leaders in the field believe is what imparts cannabis with its panacea-like effectiveness. Terpenes are the compounds responsible for the unique signature of the user's experience. If we were only to consume THC or CBD, the effect would be planar, or one dimensional; and although some therapeutic effect would likely be realized, the cumulative effect of the therapy would be dramatically muted when compared to one in which a full terpene profile therapy is administered. It is for this reason that it is critical to select and cultivate cannabis varieties with strong terpene potential as these varieties will undoubtedly become favorites both medically and recreationally due to their markedly stronger overall effect on the user. This perceived increase in "potency" is a result of the compounds (THC, CBD and collateral terpenes) acting in concert via multiple identified pathways versus so-called targeted therapy in which a single molecule (CBD, THC, etc.) or compound is isolated and administered.
Humans have evolved alongside plants for nearly 1.5 million years and, as a result, our Endocannabinoid system has been shaped by this continuous and complex relationship. The result of this ongoing refinement is a biologic system that responds like a key to a lock. Without the appropriate bumps and grooves, a key cannot fully actuate its purpose not unlike a cannabis product without the appropriate terpenes present.
With this relatively new understanding, research in terpenes and similar compounds (triterpenes, terpenoids and isoprenoids) has exploded. Industry researchers and formulators have identified the value of this research and have begun manufacturing products aimed at increasing oil and terpene production. Many of these products rely on molecular level stressors such as heavy metals, hormones or trace pesticides to elicit the desired response. Basically, these methods stress the plant so they grow more or better oils to protect themselves. While these methods may increase the overall oil production, it may be at the cost of yield and consumer safety, as many of the compounds used are not designed for human consumption. Long term effects of using these products are not known, and with the understanding of terpene profiles still being relatively new commercially, it’s always a better idea to choose wisely and use natural products.
Solis-Tek’s nutrient division identified that using additives containing heavy metals, hormones or pesticides even in trace amounts, may pose an ongoing health risk to everyone who consumes plant material cultivated with those additives. In response, the company created Terpenez™, which represents a major breakthrough in natural terpene enhancement. The formulation employs a multi-faceted approach and is a diametric departure from what was previously available to growers. Terpenez works by providing the plant with all natural precursors coupled with organic, bio-identical, plant derived terpenes. This combination allows the plant to boost terpene production without sacrificing yield or safety.
Terpenez helps growers produce plants with a full-terpene profile, which has benefits for both recreational and therapeutic uses. It accomplishes this naturally, without hormones, pesticides or trace heavy metals. Terpenez works in all systems and can be used up to the day of harvest. It is versatile in its application, has a 0-0-0 NPK and will not conflict with any known commercial feed program. Simply add this product on top of a grower’s current recipe, either with a continuous model feeding through the flower cycle, or try it just through flush, and watch the plant’s terpenes transform.
It will become critical that growers educate themselves on terpenes and their effects on plant production. It won’t be long before consumers are asking about the terpene profile of the cannabis strain they purchase.
Alan Lien, Co-Founder, Chairman, and President of Solis Tek, leads the manufacturing, development, and sourcing of Solis Tek products while also managing the Company’s sales and operational strategies.
Matt Geschke, CTO of Solis Tek, is responsible for the design improvement and development of emerging new and novel technologies and techniques derived from natural inspiration for the manufacture of materials and systems used primarily within the confines of agriculture.
To learn more about Solis Tek’s Terpenez, visit: growsolutions.com
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