Cannabis terpenes choosing the right strain for you
February 3, 2020
by Admin_M
Cannabis Terpenes
What they are and why we should all care about them
Cannabis terpenes are the aromatic essential oils that play a key role in differentiating strains. Essentially like cannabinoids, terpenes bind to receptors for a variety of health and wellness benefits.
Terpenes
A diverse class of organic compounds, that are produced by plants (including cannabis), fruits and some insects. Their strong odor protects the plant by deterring herbivores. When a terpene interacts with cannabinoid receptors, it can help (or hinder) cannabinoids’ effects. Growers and extractors enhance the flavour profiles of cannabis by maximizing and preserving terpene levels.
Terpenoids
AKA terpenes that have been denatured by oxidation, are classified with different names for various structures. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, for example, are named after the number of isoprene units they contain.
Terpene Profile
When choosing a strain based on terpene content, be mindful that different harvests may demonstrate different profiles, due to variances in growing and extraction. Lab-testing products is the only way to know a strains terpene potency.
When choosing an ingestion method, keep in mind that the beneficial qualities of terpenes can be damaged if overheated. A low heat device such as one of our Fatboy pens provides the full benefit and flavour.
Choosing a strain old thinking
Recommending an indica to relax or a sativa to focus is losing importance outside cultivation circles. Leafly helped popularize this jargon, but now states that “There is little evidence to suggest that indicas and sativas exhibit a consistent pattern of chemical profiles that would make one inherently sedating and the other uplifting.”
Choosing a strain new thinking
Understanding cannabinoid potency, particularly the ratio of THC to CBD is key. But variation in terpene profiles can also create significant differences in how the product is experienced. Knowing the chemical composition of a particular sample (including terpenes) can also help better predict the effects of a particular plant.
CHOOSE A CANNABIS STRAIN THAT SMELLS GOOD TO YOU: YOUR NOSE KNOWS.
Dave
Hotgrass Cultivation Manager
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