Cannabis Derived Terpenes: What You Should Know

The terpene content in a plant begins to diminish soon after harvest, as such, the terpenes content in cannabis faces a similar natural occurrence. With the high demand and low supply of cannabis derived terpenes, it looks like the cannabis derived terpenes are a big deal. Of course, considering its numerous therapeutic benefits, economic value, sweet aroma, and unique flavor that leaves you wanting more.

Having a good knowledge of cannabis derived terpenes is important, you necessarily don't have to be an expert in cannabis chemistry to know some important things about cannabis derived terpenes. As an everyday cannabis fan, a scientist in some fancy laboratory, or a therapist, you would find this article useful. 

In this article, you will learn about terpenes, cannabis derived terpenes and their uses. You will get familiar with various terpenes found in cannabis, and how to consume and properly store them. And finally, the interesting part is why you may want to try cannabis derived terpenes.

Terpenes are natural substances found in a variety of insects as well as in plants, flowers, and fruits. They are particularly prevalent in cannabis resin from the cannabis flower. Terpenes are the substances in charge of giving each organism its distinct taste and aroma characteristic. 

Terpenes are present in a broader variety of plants than phytocannabinoids and are frequently used in several household products, such as food preservatives, medications, and perfumes. 

Botanical terpenes are unprocessed terpenes that are naturally contained in non-cannabis plants and their flowering parts. Botanical terpenes are taken from licit plants including pine needles, citrus, cloves, and lavender.

These terpenes may be optimized and utilized for their medicinal properties, sedative and relaxing effects, and strong scents once they have been removed. Myrcene, alpha-pinene, linalool, and limonene are a few of the most popular plant terpene extracts. 

A quick look at the benefits and some disadvantages of botanical terpenes:

• They are frequently less expensive than cannabis-derived terpenes, this is because the extraction procedure for cannabis terpenes is more difficult and hence considerably pricey.

• Botanical terpenes have been shown to have therapeutic effects on the human body.1

• Botanical terpenes' flavor can be strong, thus needing to be diluted for palatability. 

• The flavor of botanical terpenes is not the same as that of cannabis. As a cannabis fan, you might find it very different.

Simply said, synthetic terpenes are terpenes produced in a lab and are referred to as "cannabis-related" by the FDA.

A quick look at the benefits and some disadvantages of synthetic terpenes:

• Due to their higher concentration, synthetic terpenes have stronger aromas and fragrances.
• Synthetic terpenes’ flavor, taste, and aroma can be manipulated to fit a particular purpose. 

• A study showed that these terpenes can emit harmful substances including benzene at the temperatures needed for dabbing.
• Synthetic terpenes can be harmful to the human body.

Cannabis derived terpenes, which are made up of the plant's natural aroma and taste essences, are cannabis essential oils. These terpenes are produced by the plant and are stored in the trichomes, the glistening, adhesive crystals on the leaves and buds.

According to a broad view,  the entire cannabis-derived terpenes are usually the better option since they are made by drawing nutrients from the soil rather than being manufactured in a lab.

Terpenes generated from cannabis are all the excitement when it comes to cannabis, thanks to both their medicinal advantages and the aroma they offer your plant. Terpenes produced from cannabis play a crucial part in the effects of cannabis together with cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Cannabis derived terpenes are found in a broader number of plants worldwide and are often employed in a wide range of household goods, including food preservatives, skincare, and fragrances.

The "entourage effect" is one of the advantages of cannabis derived terpenes. In essence, this idea contends that the cannabis plant functions more effectively as a whole than as a collection of individual pieces. Whole-plant cannabis includes essential chemicals, therefore terpenes that are extracted and gathered from the plant are seen as being more advantageous and effective.

• The inadequate information about terpenes to use them therapeutically is one of their main drawbacks. 
• Even though you recognize the strain and the usual terpenes it contains, it might be difficult to gauge how much of your favorite terpene you're receiving if you smoke cannabis.

Quickly, let’s get familiar with some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis:

Coriander and lavender both have the same flowery scent. It has been said to aid in sedation and mood improvement.

Pinene smells like a grove of pine trees: woodsy, crisp, and somewhat minty, as its name implies. Additionally, pine needles, rosemary, and basil contain this terpene with a wood flavor.

This terpene, which is also present in lilacs, nutmeg, and cumin, has a flowery and herb scent.

Have you ever peeled a fresh orange and been greeted with a zesty smell? That powerful citrus scent with a smack was most likely limonene.

Myrcene, which is also present in mangoes, lemongrass, and thyme, is well-known for its spicy, peppery, and floral overtones.

Humulene has an earthy scent and is frequently connected to wood and hops.

Mint, parsley, and orchids all contain ocimene, a pleasant and herbal scent.

Black pepper, oregano, and basil are just a few of the herbs and spices that contain caryophyllene. It has spiciness and notes of diesel and cinnamon.

Each day, you either directly or indirectly absorb terpenes. Everywhere on the planet, terpenes are visible in the daylight. You encounter them while using shampoo, eating fruit, or even strolling through a forest. 

Terpenes like Linalool or Caryophyllene are added by producers to items like deodorants, shampoos, lotions, meals, and drinks to improve their scent, flavor, or other specialized qualities.

• Store extracts and whole flowers in a cold, dark location. Products' brittle chemical connections can be broken by exposure to heat and light.
• Terpenes should be kept in an airtight, closed container and kept at room temperature.

This depends on your preference and medical history. You should always discuss taking a new product with your physician. They will be able to best explain your medical history and how CBD or cannabis derived terpenes may affect you. 

Terpenes are naturally present in plants and some insects but they can be created artificially in the lab. The terpenes derived from cannabis are a pretty big deal and they have lots of benefits and uses. There are lots of terpenes derived from cannabis and there are lots of ways you can consume them. 

The terpenes in plants are highly volatile, you might want to take a good preservative measure. At BATCH our terpene profiles differ depending on the product. Check out our variety of CBD products and find the right one for you today! 

Sources

1. Cox-Georgian D, Ramadoss N, Dona C, Basu C. Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes. Medicinal Plants. 2019 Nov 12:333–59. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-31269-5_15. PMCID: PMC7120914.

2. Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules. 2020; 25(24):5792. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245792