What are Terpenes?

by Edward Ridgill

What are terpenes anyway?

There has been a lot of talk about terpenes these days. But what are terpenes and what do they do?

Terpenes are organic compounds produced by plants. These organic compounds are made to protect the plants from sunlight. These terpenes also attract the predators of harmful herbivores, acting as another method of protection. In cannabis, terpenes are produced in the trichomes (crystal structures on the buds) of the plant. These trichomes also produce THC, the chemical that causes the psychoactive effect that gets you high. Terpenes are what produce the smell associated with popular cannabis strains like Sour Diesel and Super Lemon Haze. The recent discovery of terpenes has added to the growing connoisseurship of cannabis and promises to become the new frontier for growers and consumers alike.

 

 

Now that we have discussed what terpenes are, let's discuss the different types of flavorful terpenes in cannabis and what they do. There are over 100 different types of terpenes that have been found in cannabis, but for our purposes, we will discuss the 6 most common.

LIMONENE
Vaporization Temp: 349° F
Limonene is found in strains like Super Lemon Haze and imparts a lemon, orange or citrus taste. Limonene has been used clinically to dissolve gallstones, relive heart burn, relive gastrointestinal reflux and improve mood. 

 

HUMULENE
Vaporization Temp: 388° F
Humulene is found in strains like OG Kush and imparts an earthy, woody taste. Humulene is used as a pain reliever and has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Known effects include appetite suppression.

 

PINENE 
Vaporization Temp: 311° F
Pinene is one of the most common terpene and is found in strains like Jack Herer. Pinene has a piney, sharp and sweet sent and has anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, Pinene can help with asthma as it is also a bronchodilator. Known effects include memory retention and alertness.

 

LINALOOL
Vaporization Temp: 388° F
Linalool is found in strains like Lavender. Linalool tastes of citrus, spice and has notes of floral. Linalool can be used to treat insomnia, stress, depression, anxiety, pain and convulsions. Linalool offers a calming, sedating effect.

 

MYRCENE
Vaporization Temp: 334° F
Myrcene is found in strains like Northern Lights. Myrcene has a musky, herbal, and citrus taste and has a relaxing, sedating effect. There is also evidence that it enhances THC’s psychoactive properties. Myrcene can be used as an antiseptic, an anti-Inflammatory, an anti-fungal, and an anti-bacterial agent.Furthermore, Myrcene can be used to treat inflammation.

 

CARYOPHYLLENE
Vaporization Temp: 320° F
Caryophyllene is found in strains like Bubba Kush and imparts a peppery, wood and spice taste. Caryophyllene can be used to treat inflammation, muscle spasms, pain, insomnia, and can be used as an antioxidant.

 

 

Now that we have gone through some of the basics of terpenes (what they are, what they do and the different types), it's now up to you to decide which strain works best for you. We here at Linx Vapor believe that the best way to taste these terpenes is through low temperature vaporization of wax concentrates. Although buds can be very aromatic, the ignition of plant matter work to contaminate the true terpene flavor. Try for yourself and let us know your favorite wax strain. Stay tuned for a informative article on indicators of high quality wax concentrates.

Happy Tokes!

 

 

Reference

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Rahn, B. (2014, February 12). Terpenes: The Flavors of Cannabis Aromatherapy. 
Lee, M. A. (2013, April 8). Talking Terpenes.