A cannabis plant will produce essential oils and terpenes, which is one reason the buds have such an aromatic smell. Cannabis terpenes have the potential to produce all types of aromas from a wide spectrum of fruity, floral, earthy and gas terpene compounds, depending on the strains. In this article, we break down the most common terpenes found in cannabis plants, the relationship between terpenes, THC and other cannabinoids, the effects terpenes have. Lastly, we will review what Atami products can help boost terpene and oil production.
The most common cannabis terpenes and properties explained
Myrcene
The most abundant terpene is found in cannabis, as well as citrus fruits, mangoes, hops, thyme, parsley and sweet basil. β-Myrcene reported biological activities include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Also associated with a sleepy and sedative effect, myrcene can be responsible for a heavy body-locking effect. Cannabis strains with high levels of myrcene are Blue Dream, OG Kush, Grandaddy Purple and Purple Urkle.
Limonene
Typically associated with lemons, limes and orange peel, limonene is also found in mint, fennel, anise, juniper and a high variety of cannabis strains. Limonene-rich cannabis is often associated with an alert or clear-minded effect, such as haze and sativa. Cannabis strains with high levels of limonene are Super Lemon Haze, Lemon Skunk, Kosher Kush, Strawberry Banana and Jack Herrer.
Pinene
Basil, parsley, dill, rosemary and OG Kush are all high in pinene, which is why they have a fresh pine needle, earthy aroma. Pinene has many therapeutic properties and can help with inflammation, stress and anxiety. Cannabis strains with high levels of pinene are Blue Dream, Critical, Island Sweet Skunk and Grape Ape.
Linalool
Found in many different foods and spices such as oregano, basil, spearmint, coriander, thyme, limes, grapes, lemons, oranges, grapefruit, blackcurrants and pineapples..Cannabis strains with high levels of linalool are Granddaddy Purple, Lavender Skunk and Dos-Si-Dos.
Caryophyllene
This terpene is found in carrots, hops, basil, black pepper, rosemary and cinnamon. Another terpene that has anti-inflammatory properties associated with it and is used as a therapeutic. Cannabis strains with high levels of caryophyllene are Chem Dog, Sour Diesel, OG Kush, Girl Scout Cookie and Gorilla Glue.
Where are the terpenes found on cannabis plants?
Trichomes are produced by cannabis plants and will appear on the buds and the surrounding leaves. These tiny, glass-like resin heads contain the major concentration of essential oils, terpenes and cannabinoids, ranging from THC, CBD, THCV and so on.
The longer cannabis plants are left to flower, the greater the aroma will become. Depending on the different strains being grown out, there may be an assortment of terpene profiles produced at once.
Extract artists will work with plants to harvest the trichomes. It is within the trichome heads where the oils can be carefully separated and then made into products with a high percentage of terpenes and cannabinoids.
The entourage effect between THC, cannabinoids and cannabis terpenes is explained
Not every cannabis plant needs to test over 25% THC in order for it to really have an effect on the consumer. In the last decade, studies have revealed the direct correlation between cannabinoids such as THC and CBD and how they are affected by the terpenes present.
An example of this is how a strain that tests 15% THC with a high amount of terpenes can be just as potent as one that tests 28% THC with little terpenes. Hash is also an excellent example of how cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids can be fused together, creating a product that is often less potent and cerebral than consuming buds.
BHO and rosin cannabis oil explained
In recent years, we have seen the advancements in the cannabis industry hit an all-time high, with one of those being the quality of extracts. It is fair to say the US has paved the way on the BHO (Butane Honey Oil) and rosin fronts and has popularized rosin and BHO vape carts all over the world.
Butane honey oil – Way before anyone knew anything about pressing rosin, BHO was the best thing that could happen to the cannabis scene. Created using butane and stripping the essential oils off the trichomes and separating the shells off the trichome heads, BHO has a shiny appearance and will pack a punch when dabbing. There is a purging process using a vacuum pump required in order to fully remove the solvent used.
Rosin – Using only heat and pressure, rosin quickly took over the extraction world and gave consumers the peace of mind they were enjoying a solvent-free product. To make rosin, dry sift or bubble hash is placed inside a rosin pressing bag, typically a 25-micron bag, and then pressed between a sheet of parchment paper. Not only is rosin quite easy to make, but the product can also be smoked instantly, unlike with BHO. However, many say that rosin is not as potent as BHO.
Which Atami products can increase cannabis terpenes and aroma profiles?
If you are growing fruits, flowers, or vegetables in your garden, then you will want the most aromatic and tasteful outcome possible. We strongly recommend Bloombastic, Bi-Bloombastic, Rokzbastic and ATA NRG Flavor which will ensure you have the most flavorsome and terpene-rich fruits, vegetables and herbs next harvest. For more information about the Bastic line, check out https://growlikeapro.atami.com/.
Atami’s conclusion
Cannabis terpenes play a massive role in the aroma, effects and taste of cannabis, and with so many strains available, the potential to discover something new is always around the corner! The entourage effect is responsible for the relationship between cannabinoids, terpenes and essential oils.
Extractors work hard to maintain the highest terpene profiles, which is why rosin, or BHO, is often classed as the pinnacle of terpenes and cannabis oil together. Good luck working through different strains and discovering which cannabis terpene compounds are your favorite.
Disclaimer:
Atami always recommends checking your country’s laws regarding the cultivation of plants such as cannabis. We do not enable or encourage the cultivation of such plants outside the legal framework of each country.
–
