Terpenes, what are they?
Mmmmm that smells so good!! It's like a waft of citrus and berries! What makes cannabis smell like that?
Our answer to these questions at The Green Bouquet Cannabis, it's the natural terpenes that are producing those fragrances in cannabis. Terpenes are the essential oils of ALL plants. Yes, all plants contain terpenes, even some bugs (natural defense mechanism) contain terpenes. Terpenes are used by plants to naturally protect themselves from insects and biological diseases.
One cannabis plant can contain over 100 different terpenes, however, some are much more predominant than others. There are Monoterpenes which are quick or fast releasing terpenes and Sesquiterpenes which are slow releasing terpenes. Now, what does that mean? Well, when you first smell a nug of weed you are usually getting the quick terps (terpenes) upfront, the slow-release terpenes come into play a little bit after.
Examples of monoterpene “fast” terpenes are usually fruity, floral, and pungent, these terpenes are volatile and dissipate after a time hence the name.
Myrcene (found in mangos, thyme…)(Myrcene is also known to cause the couch lock effect)
Linalool (found in basil, lavender…)
Limonene (found in lemons, limes…)
Examples of Sesquiterpenes’ “slow” terpenes are usually a bit more peppery, hoppy, and woodsy smell. These terps last longer as they can handle warmer temperatures, and a bit more handling compared to their counterpart the monoterpene.
Caryophyllene (found in pepper, cinnamon…)
Humulene (found in hops, sage…)
Now, why are terpenes important when consuming cannabis?
Growers have taken terpenes to a whole new level with cannabis and are producing strains that are coming out with an overall terpene percentage.
Terpene percentages are a great indicator of how pungent your green will taste and smell, but also the higher the terpene percentages, the more the terpenes will have their own independent effects on the individual smoking or consuming the cannabis. Now, what do I mean by that? Well, when you are choosing your next purchase, check out the listed terps on the packaging or in the description, because they affect you just as much as cannabinoids and essential oils. Ever use Lavender to relax? If so, then look for the terpene Linalool. Want to get up and clean your entire house? Look for Limonene.
Most LPs (Licensed Producers) produce cannabis between 0%-1%, so when you see a strain that has over 2% is getting better, then there are the strains at over 3%-5%, now you're getting into some very tasty, sticky, pungent weed. Anything over 5% might be extremely strong, very sticky, and hard to handle with your fingers, but the flavor might make your head spin (in a good way).
Remember terpenes are found in the Trichomes of the plant. Trichomes are what house most of the terpenes and cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, they are also referred to as crystals, sugar, frosting, etc.
I could go on forever about terpenes and how they really do create an enjoyable smoking experience. If you are looking for certain effects, like to increase your arousal, look for strains with dominant terpenes such as Limonene, linalool, and caryophyllene. Looking to giggle and have fun, looks for strains dominant in limonene, pinene, and ocimene; they are known for their uplifting effects.
Want to learn more about terpenes? come in and chat with us at our Muskoka weed store, we are here to help. We are open 7 days a week and are conveniently located on the way to Huntsville.
