Terpenes in hemp flower
Introduction
We will explain what are terpens in hemp flower, what are the most known terpens, their qualities and usage.
We will also explain the correalation between terpens and cannabinoids. And for the end, we will tell you more about terpene preservation in vacuum infusion with cannabinoids.
What is hemp
Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) is a broadly grown plant worldwide. In the last years, the cannabidiol (CBD) and terpenes in hemp have had increasing research interest due to their human health benefits and pharmaceutical values.
There are two types of hemp plants:
- the fiber type;
- cannabinoids type hemp plant: rich in cannabinoids.
Depending on the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the plant, the hemp can be further classified into industrial hemp (THC < 0.3%) and marijuana (THC > 0.3%).
What are terpenes
Terpens are organic, aromatic compounds found in plants in the form of oils. Essentially they are what gives a plant its unique flavour and aroma.
The most distinct characteristic of terpenes is the smell, which depicts the unique aromatic characteristics of hemp plant and is used by the plant to repel and defense against herbivores, attract pollinators, and inhibit the microbial growth.
There are currently more than 120 terpenes already identified in hemp. Terpenes are found in lots of fruits, vegetables and herbs and are recognized as safe for human consumption. Terpenes are used in a wide variety of foods and cosmetic products.
These fragrant oils are responsible for each strain’s unique smell and taste, but they also have a range of physiological and therapeutic effects. Such as anti-anxiety, pain-relief, relaxation promotion, anti-inflammation and antimicrobial activities.
The difference between cannabinoids and terpenes
What gives hemp its “character” are the hundreds of chemicals it contains. Among them are cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
While terpenes don’t get you high, they do influence the effects of other plant compounds such as THC and other cannabinoids.
Most common terpenes found in hemp
Most common therapeutic effects and benefits found in terpenes are:
- antiviral,
- antidepressant,
- pain relieving,
- anticancer,
- antimicrobal.
Myrcene
One of the most common terpenes found in cannabis is myrcene. Myrcene is also found in hops and is responsible for the peppery, spicy, balsam fragrance in beer. It’s also expressed in lemongrass. Myrcene is a potent analgesic, and has great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Caryophyllene
The terpene caryophyllene is present in many herbs and spices, including black pepper, basil, and oregano, and cannabis strains with high levels of it deliver a spicy, funky warmth to the nose, similar to cinnamon and cloves. Caryophyllene is an excellent analgesic agent and antispasmic in muscles.
Linalool
Linalool refers to two enantiomers of a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants such as lavender. Linalool is a colorless oil. Linalool shows sedative, anti-influenza, antimicrobial and neuroprotective effects.
Pinene
Pinene is an aromatic compound commonly found in cannabis that smells a lot like a forest of pine trees. But pinene can bring more to a strain’s experience than just flavor. Pinene has memory improvement, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial functions.
Limonene
Limonene is a colorless liquid aliphatic hydrocarbon and is the major component in the oil of citrus fruit peels. Limonene shows good antiviral, anti-bacteria and antidiabetic properties.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is found in lilacs, nutmeg, cumin, and apples.
Humulene
The subtle earthy, woody and spicy notes that give hoppy beers their distinct taste and aroma are also partly responsible for giving cannabis its unique scent. Hops and cannabis share a common terpene: humulene. It is very similar to Myrcene.
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol has a fresh mint-like smell and a spicy, cooling taste. It is insoluble in water, but miscible with organic solvents. Eucalyptol makes up 90% of eucalyptus oil.
Terpineol
Terpineols are monocyclic, monoterpene tertiary alcohols that are naturally present in plant species. It has a pleasant odor, similar to lilacs, and is a common ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatic scents.
Ocimene
Ocimene is the terpene responsible for some of the sweet and herbaceous flavors of certain cannabis strains, and it can also add citrusy and woody undertones. It may also offer a wide array of medicinal properties, as well as uplifting effects.
How can terpenes affect the effects of cannabis?
Terpenes can enhance or alter psychoactive and medicinal properties of hemp. This phenomenon is know as “entourage effect”.
It can be thought of as working as follows: the sum of all the compounds present in cannabis is greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, a special synergy of the whole plant occurs when cannabinoids and terpenes are consumed together, as opposed to when they are consumed separately.
Preserving terpens
Preserving terpens while using processing technologies to enrich the quality and compound of hemp is of great importance. Achieving high processing efficiency with minimal loss of bioactive compounds is necessary to ensure the quality and safety of hemp plants after harvest.
With vacuum impregnation machine API 3.0, it is possible to have an effect on cannabinoids composition and concentration, without altering the terpenes. That means that you can infuse hemp flower with our API 3.0 machine and preserve the terpenes. Without terpenes, cannabinoids would be far less effective, and far less flavorful.
Reference:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772566922000015
https://www.canatura.com/a/terpenes-in-cannabis-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work
https://pharma-hemp.com/introduction-to-hemp-terpenes/
https://www.polln.com/medicinal-cannabis-library/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cannabis-terpenes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772566922000015
Image courtesy of https://www.pexels.com/
cannabis terpene chart https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
