15 Cannabis Terpenes Explained (Complete Visual Guide)
By Helena Miles, February 2018
https://greencamp.com/terpenes/
You might have noticed that not all strains
smell the same. Pine, berry, mint…
There’s more than a few distinctive
fragrances in cannabis.
The term terpene is also often used to refer to
terpenoids, which are oxygenated derivatives
of terpenes.
The easiest way to understand them is to think
of them as volatile aromatic molecules.
What’s so special about these chemicals is
that they give plants their unique aroma.
From the chemical point of view, terpenes are
derived from the basic molecule of isoprene
which replicates to make terpenes.
Cannabis has a unique smell.
Some people find it unpleasant and
overwhelming, while most marijuana
enthusiasts find it very calming and
enjoyable.
Just like any other plant, pot has components
which are responsible for its unique aroma
and flavour.
These substances have two very important
roles in every plant’s life: to protect the
flowers from predators and to produce resin.
These components are terpenes, aromatic
molecules of cannabis, secreted inside the tiny
resin glands of cannabis flowers. They are a major part of resin and are heavily
used in the production of essential oils, so
they are a good fit for medical and beauty
products.
That is how terpenes made their way into the
fragrance industry, as well as conventional
and alternative medicine. They are most
commonly used in aromatherapy, but they’re
also synthetically made as flavours and
aromas and as food additives.
Terpenes produce a citrusy aroma in some
strains, fruity and sweet notes in others and
while some may smell and taste like lavender,
others can be more earthy and pungent.
Certain strains even smell like cheese.
However, it’s not all about the smell. There are a few more fun facts about terpenes:
natural rubber is ma de of terpenes, as are
many steroids. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to know
that an organic and completely natural maple
syrup contains about 300 terpenes, which
makes it so yummy in the first place.
Terpenes also produce a wide range of
medical effects and that is exactly what’s so
captivating about them in the first place.
There are at least 80-100 terpenes unique to
the cannabis plant and the combination of
these chemicals and cannabinoids is
responsible for the entire success of the
cannabis plant as we know it. But what about cannabis?
Terpenes basically give each strain its unique
smell and taste.
Not only that but they also enhance the effects
of cannabis by influencing how we process
cannabinoids.
What are terpenes and what is their use?
Terpenes are organic chemicals produced by
most plants and even some animals like
swallowtail butterflies and termites.
Let’s explore this in more detail………
How terpenes work with cannabinoids?
What we usually consume from cannabis is
the flower.
And just like any other flower, cannabis
flower has its own recognizable smell.