Maximum Yield Cannabis USA October/November 2018 | Page 30

“IT’S DURING the later stages of
flowering that the plant expends the
most energy on producing terpenes.”
PINENE
Pinene is a terpene we are all familiar with because it is
associated with the fragrance of evergreen trees. The pine
tree smell found in some cannabis varieties is attributed
to pinene. It is also believed that the skunky smell of
certain cannabis plants is caused by pinene. Medicinally,
pinene can be used to treat coughs and can be used as a
topical antiseptic.
Humidity for Maximizing Terpene Production LIMONENE
Ideally, the humidity level in a cannabis flowering room
would fall between 50-60 per cent. However, during the last
few weeks of flowering, the humidity level can be dropped to
around 30 per cent to slightly stress the plants. This usually
requires a dehumidifier. The lower humidity lightly stresses
the plants which, in turn, increases terpene production. Lower
humidity during the last weeks of flowering also reduces the
likelihood of molds and other humidity-related problems. B-CARYOPHYLLENE
Harvest
Perhaps one of the most influential factors over the concen-
tration of terpenes in cannabis is the timing of the harvest.
Cannabis plants that are harvested too early have not yet
reached their maximum potential in terpene production. Also,
drying a harvested cannabis plant too quickly also alters the
terpene profile. To get dried cannabis flowers that retain the
unique odors of the plant while it was growing, the cannabis
must be dried slowly (especially for the first few days). When
done correctly, cannabis plants should take anywhere from
seven to 14 days to dry before they are placed in long-term
storage containers to cure.
Terpenes Found in Cannabis
There are many different terpenes commonly found in
cannabis plants. These terpenes influence the plant’s
unique characteristics. The following are just a few of
the sought-after terpenes.
MYRCENE
Myrcene is a terpene found in cannabis, hops, and lemon-
grass. Odors associated with myrcene are citrus, nut, earth,
and clove. Specific odors will vary due to slight changes in the
overall make-up of the essential oils. Medicinally, myrcene
has pain relief and antibiotic properties. It’s possible myrcene
combined with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) causes a more
intense high as myrcene is thought to help THC reach the
brain cells more easily and effectively.
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Limonene is a citrus-specific terpene and is found in the
rind of citrus fruits. Hence, a strong citrus smell in canna-
bis flowers is most likely created by the presence of limo-
nene. Medicinally, limonene has antibacterial and anti-
fungal properties. Limonene also shows potential as a
treatment for depression.
B-Caryophyllene is the terpene most associated
with black pepper. Cannabis strains with a spicy or
woody-spice odor are most likely exhibiting their
B-Caryophyllene content. This terpene has medical poten-
tial as a topical pain reliever and inflammation reducer.
Many different terpenes contribute to a single cannabis
flower’s unique odors and flavors. This is one reason why
there is such a range of cannabis varieties. Atmospheric
conditions, the nutrients used, and the way a grower
harvests his or her flowers also directly influence the
terpene profile of a plant. The fact terpene production can
be promoted by specific products and techniques further
illustrates how every garden can produce a slightly
different product. So, even when two horticulturists grow
the exact same strain, there are usually slight differences
between the finished products. The more a cannabis
grower understands terpenes and how to promote
them, the more likely he or she is to produce the most
odoriferous and delicious buds on the block.