What Are Terpenes Used For at Tanasi?
Posted on February 20th, 2023
When you think you have discovered everything about cannabis, they come up with another surprise for you. Something new seemingly pops up every day. Researchers know this, and they are not resting on their laurels. Cannabis has a long history with mankind. And technology has made its extracts available in everything from lattes to facial scrubs and bath bombs. Well, there is something particularly specific about it, terpenes. Sounds strange, right? Cannabis is an exceptionally curious plant; as such, it has exceptionally curious features. But what are terpenes? And what are terpenes used for here at Tanasi?
The different strains of cannabis each have a very soothing smell. A pleasant aroma that you can’t seem to find in any other plant. Did you know where that smell comes from? Terpenes are the answer.
What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
Terpenes are compounds that influence the smell of varying plant species. Imagine the scent of cinnamon or a strawberry. You can afford to smell that aroma thanks to terpenes.
In short, they are a natural fragrance. And they can also contribute to an ingestible product’s taste, as is the case with our Blueberry GOLD flavored tincture. And all plants have them, but some more noticeably than others. Technology has made it easier to isolate the aroma and channel it for other uses. Terpenes are, quite understandably, an essential part of making perfumes and, therefore, the engine of the perfume industry. Food flavoring like vanilla and caramel actually come from terpenes as well. In cannabis, they play an even more prominent role.
Cannabis strains display considerable differences in smell, color, and even the effect users get. And that’s because of terpenes, which the plant secretes from a gland similar to the one that produces cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Unlike other plants that discharge terpenes for aesthetic and aromatic purposes, cannabis generates them due to an adaptive mechanism.
Terpenes need to entice pollinators and keep away predators; this is what are terpenes used for. The kind of terpene a plant produces depends on its growing location. Factors like the type of soil, weather, the period of the day, age of the plant, and the kind of fertilizers play a massive role in influencing the result.
Currently, there are more than 120 types of terpenes in distinct strains of cannabis. Each version proves to have different characteristics; hence, the particular composition of each plant. But what are terpenes used for besides that?
What Are Terpenes Used For? – Effects.
Terpenes are generally bioactive. You must understand there isn’t a standard effect. The body’s reaction will vary by person. Additionally, the amounts will influence the ultimate effect and its aftermath. The availability of these substances determines the quality of output you get when using cannabis.
Types of Cannabis Terpenes.
There are a lot of different types of cannabis terpenes. Researchers have only managed to evaluate a few samples. Below are the commonly found terpenes and what are terpenes used for in each case.
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most commonly known of all the other varieties. You would find it in mangoes, lemongrass, and thyme. It is available in strains of cannabis such as Granddaddy Purple, OG Kush, and Cherry Pie.
Myrcene will present itself in different versions depending on the kind of plants that you get. Expect to feel a herbal, musky, or something close to cardamom smell.
Limonene
Its name may sound strange, but it’s very popular. Cannabis enthusiasts can quickly tell it apart from all the other types. It has a unique and appealing scent that you would only find in fruits like lemons and oranges.
The strains of cannabis that have this terpene include White Fire OG, Do Si Dos, and Wedding Cake.
Ocimene
Ocimene is an appealing sweet and earthly aroma mostly found in mint, parsley, and orchids. It serves in the manufacturing of perfumes and air fresheners. The cannabis plants that carry it are Dutch Treat and Amnesia.
Humulene
Humulene is prevalent in ginger and cloves as well as hemp.
Linalool
Linalool is commonly present in lavender plants.
Caryophyllene
This terpene is unique and only found in vegetables and herbs. An example includes black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
You would find it in strains of cannabis like Original Glue and Purple Punch.
Terpenoids, The Other Terpenes
The list of terpenes found in cannabis is seemingly endless. However, the above mentioned are the most available. Also, they prove to be valuable in tackling different conditions you might face. Nevertheless, there are some other terpenes as well.
These are available in limited amounts but may prove to be useful as well. Additional versions include terpenoids. Terpenes and terpenoids are more or less similar.
The distinction rests in that terpenes mostly come in wet forms while terpenoids underwent oxidation, hence, they are only found in dry forms. You will get them when you dry and treat the cannabis plants. Here are some of the terpenoids identified so far:
- Guaiol: Mostly found in shrubs and trees growing in the tropical forest. You would find it in a cypress plant.
- Nerolidol: Nerolidol is available in ginger and jasmine. Its ability to penetrate through the skin makes it valuable for transdermal delivery.
- Phytol: It is a diterpenoid. Many insects use it to keep away predators. Manufacturers infuse it when making household products like soaps and air fresheners.
- Eucalyptol: Sounds familiar? You can find it in eucalyptus, basil, tea tree, and sage.
Understanding the Concentration of Terpenes in Different Cannabis Strains.
The quantity of terpenes varies from one plant to another. As seen above, there are common conditions that each of the terpenes can manage. However, the results so far differ in each sample.
While you would use limited amounts in some, in others, you must take more substantial quantities. Also, it is vital to be able to tell apart the type of compound in each plant. This way, you’ll have an easier time finding the plant that suits you.
What Are Terpenes Used For? – The Takeaway
Terpenes are the reason behind the smell that you get from different types of plants and fruits, including cannabis. Each structure is unique and exhibits a different concentration of characteristics. They also can provide natural flavoring to cannabis products, reducing the need for added artificial flavorings in our Tanasi products, also containing a patent-pending blend of CBD and CBDa.