Terpene Profiles May Shape the Future of Cannabis
Every cannabis user will agree that there is something about marijuana aroma that soothes the mind and body. You'd want to stay around cannabis for a while if it has a pleasant scent, and do you know what you smell every time you use cannabis? It's terpenes!
The discovery and extensive study of terpenes have been a revelation. The potential buried deep within this intriguing group of compounds is very fascinating! Read on to find out why terpene profile may shape the future of cannabis.
Cannabis terpenes are secreted in the same gland that produces cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. They are aromatic oils that add color to the cannabis variants and give them distinct flavors such as mint, pine, berry, or citrus.
Through terpenes, cannabis users can differentiate the effects of the different cannabis strains. While some terpenes promote relaxation and stress-stress relief, others may promote focus and acuity.
Terpenes were developed for adaptive purposes as an option to repel predators and encourage flower pollinators. Several factors influence a cannabis plant's development of terpenes, from the weather to climate, age, fertilizer, maturation, and even soil type.
There are over 100 different terpenes in the cannabis plant, with every strain tending towards a particular terpene type and composition. A cannabis strain like cheese will have a cheese-like smell, and a blueberry strain will smell of berries.
Terpenes are also isolated and extracted for use as oils, fragrances, flavors, and medicines. Terpenes are one of the most functional ingredients for flavor and aromas.
You can find terpenes in many plants: they are primarily associated with cannabis because they are available in cannabis in high concentrations.
Were terpenes always important?
No! In previous years the cannabis flower was the only option for cannabis enthusiasts. Most people would take whatever they could find as there were no terpenes to offer various possibilities through smell and flavor. But, fast forward to modern-day cannabis experience with legal cannabis: there is now an increased interest in terpenes. The differences between terpenes are subtle, but they make the horticultural cannabis process fun. They also offer numerous therapeutic value that will do mankind lots of good.
Luckily, in the world we live in today, lots of cannabis analysis laboratories test for terpene content so they can get a better idea of the full makeup of different strains. Terpenes are now take center stage in lots of new scientific and medical research because of their potential synergistic effect on the body.
The most common type of cannabis terpenes
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous terpenes in the cannabis plant, so we can't highlight all of them. However, below is a list of some of the most important terpenes detailing their cannabis strain and therapeutic benefits.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene acts as a cannabinoid that activates your endocannabinoid system while providing anti-inflammatory effects for the body. These terpenes are present in the Original Glue and Purple Punch cannabis strain. With a pepper, spicy and woody aroma, its therapeutic value includes treating ulcers and pain.
Limonene has a unique strawberry banana flavor. It provides anxiety and stress relief and is mainly found in White Fire OG, Do-Si-Dos, and Wedding cake cannabis strains. This terpene is quite prevalent because it elevates a person's mood; you will feel relaxed and warm with this variant. Limonene aids relief from pain, anxiety, and inflammation.
Pinene is the most common terpene globally and is excellent for reducing pain caused by inflammation and anxiety. This terpene is present in Critical Mass and Snoop's Dream cannabis strain. It offers a pine aroma with therapeutic value cutting across the treatment of ulcers, asthma, and anxiety.
Myrcene is the most common terpene, especially in the commercial cannabis sector. It offers a calming effect and is mainly found in Grandaddy, OG Kush, and Cherry Pie cannabis strains. Myrcene also provides therapeutic value by easing pain, inflammation, and the treatment of insomnia.
Terpinolene
This terpene has a fruity flavor, and one in ten strains will be terpinolene-dominant. It is a most beloved terpene because it provides an uplifting effect when used. This terpene is mainly found in cannabis strains like Jack Herer, Chernobyl, Haze, and Ghost. Its therapeutic value includes having anti-fungal, anti–cancer, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Why terpenes are the future of cannabis
Many cannabis companies have reported complete change when they added terpenes to their products. The incorporation of terpenes makes the products more appealing to buyers.
This realization explains why an increasing number of CBD brands and vapes add natural terpenes or botanically-extracted ones to their topical vaping oils, beverages, chocolates, etc. By ensuring this addition, the companies improve their flavor, aroma, and the overall physical effect of the products.
Extracting CBD oil is very expensive, especially one that contains a mix of natural cannabis terpenes which gives a pleasant aroma. But there is a cost-effective way of getting it done which entails stripping the terpenes and using them later.
Things get very interesting from here as instead of using cannabis or hemp-extracted terpenes alone. Companies also use identical non-cannabis-derived terpenes instead of supplements to make safer, more consistent, and effective products. Terpenes are also great for edibles and skincare products.
Botanically-derived terpenes are used in some skincare products as there is a new technological process that captures the flower's essence, and it is used for the products.
With the enormous potentials terpenes hold, the cannabis aroma industry is expected to grow exponentially from 2021-2024. In fact, the terpene sector is projected to become a $1 billion sector.
These cannabis-derived and botanically-derived terpenes will make the reproduction of leading strains easier. With the increase in reproduction, customers will be happy, leading to greater product efficacy, safety, predictability, and quality. Who doesn't like a good, safe, and sweet-smelling cannabis product? We all do!
Most cannabis users are already keen on going for flavor and aroma since the majority discovered terpenes' impact. This trend will continue, thus cementing terpenes as the future of cannabis.
Bottom line
People are beginning to say goodbye to flavorless cannabis, and it's all because of terpenes. Now lots of cannabis users enjoy their weed with a burst of aroma and flavor. There is no doubt that terpenes will play a significant role in shaping the future of cannabis, it offers all a cannabis product needs to stand out.
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