Surely many people have wondered where hemp gets its intense and incredibly characteristic smell and taste. Right next to the well-known cannabinoids in hemp – and not only in hemp – there are other compounds, such as flavonoids or terpenes, which are less popular, but equally interesting.
What are terpenes, how do they work and what do they affect in cannabis? Where exactly are they located and, above all, how can we recognize them? You will find out in this article.
What are terpenes?
Simply put, terpenes are exactly what we feel. These are essential oils that are responsible for the taste and aroma of the plant. They do not have a psychoactive effect and do not belong to the group of cannabinoids, although they are produced in the same place as cannabinoids – in the resin glands, i.e. in the trichomes.
Trichomes are found on the flowers and leaves adjacent to the flowers, and they look like shiny crystals in the shape of a tiny mushroom.
From a chemical point of view, terpenes are particles of carbon and hydrogen, and their concentration in the plant can vary from 1% to 10%.
The development of terpenes in a plant can be influenced by many factors, from the weather, the type and type of soil in which the plants are grown, to the quality and quantity of fertilizers used.
Numerous studies show that so far scientists have identified more than 20,000. compounds of this type in plants, which are widely used in the cosmetics industry for the production of perfumes, essential oils, creams and lotions.
Hemp itself, on the other hand, contains the largest number of different terpenes, because as many as 100 types.
The most expressive scents are emitted by unpollinated female flowers, the huge spectrum of which is contained in the trichomes.
The composition and combination of terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids in CBD oils proves a high-quality preparation.
This is due to the synergy effect, i.e. the positive influence of these compounds on each other. Numerous studies show that oils with isolated CBD, the so-called CBD isolates are less effective and considered to be potentially lower quality preparations.
In the article “The Entourage Effect”, or “Effect of Synergy”, it was explained that cannabinoids, after isolating CBD alone, do not have such a qualitative effect as when combined with other chemical compounds important in cannabis, in this case terpenes.
The action of terpenes in the plant
Terpenes are essential to the protection of the plants on which they occur.
They began to develop in plants so that the right smell, with a specific intensity, could effectively deter insects and pests from damage and, as a result, eating or destroying the plant. In addition to protecting against pests, terpenes also have the function of attracting certain species of insects that are necessary for pollination of the plant.
Some terpenes can even be used by farmers as natural remedies against unwanted insects and pests.
Types of terpenes
The easiest division of terpenes is the division according to taste, i.e. sour, sweet, spicy and bitter. However, delving into the subject of their division, we can differentiate them into more specific smells and aromas.
Cannabis flowers, due to the different varieties of seeds that we use for cultivation, may have a different – of course similar, but slightly different aroma. People who are experts in these topics can perfectly sense the differences in the smell of individual varieties of hemp.
For example: cannabis flowers with a slightly sour smell can have an aroma similar to lemon. When it comes to CBD oil made from this strain, it will have an energizing and slightly pungent taste.
We highlight some of the most important and well-known terpenes in hemp, which we have collected in the list below.Types of terpenes
The easiest division of terpenes is the division according to taste, i.e. sour, sweet, spicy and bitter. However, delving into the subject of their division, we can differentiate them into more specific smells and aromas.
Cannabis flowers, due to the different varieties of seeds that we use for cultivation, may have a different – of course similar, but slightly different aroma. People who are experts in these topics can perfectly sense the differences in the smell of individual varieties of hemp.
For example: cannabis flowers with a slightly sour smell can have an aroma similar to lemon. When it comes to CBD oil made from this strain, it will have an energizing and slightly pungent taste.
We highlight some of the most important and well-known terpenes in hemp, which we have collected in the list below.
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis. On average, it accounts for about 20% of the share in hemp, and as much as 80% in cannabis.
Its aroma has been compared to earthy, more herbal scents along with hints of clove and musk. Myrcene has a very rich history of use in the world. In Mexico, it is used in natural medicine as a calming tea additive.
Limonene
The second most important terpene in cannabis is limonene. It can be found in much greater amounts in citrus fruits, mainly in lime and lemon. Its smell and aroma is strongly citrus, thanks to which it is commonly used in cosmetics.
Pinene
Pinenes, i.e. alpha and beta-pinene, are characterized by a pine, forest aroma. It makes up about 10-20% of cannabis terpenes. Pinene is a compound that participates in the formation of CB2 cannabinoid receptors, additionally reduces the negative effects of THC.
It can be found in conifers, rosemary, basil and dill.
References:
Sari Goldstein Ferber, Dvora Namdar
“The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders”
Curr Neuropharmacol. 2020 r.
Ayu Masyita, Reka Mustika Sari, Ayun Dwi Astuti
“Terpenes and terpenoids as main bioactive compounds of essential oils, their roles in human health and potential application as natural food preservatives”
Food Chemistry: X Volume 13, 30 March 2022
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