Sniffing your Treatment

Terpenes make up the fragrant smells of cannabis. Each terpene has a distinct odor and specific therapeutic properties. By smelling the cannabis flower, you may be able to figure out what treatment it provides!

Terepene Treatments Based on Smell

The Top 10 Terpenes found in Cannabis

Alpha Pinene – Gives off a pungent turpentine odor; reduces THC psychosis effects in cannabis. Beneficial as an anti-inflammatory while reducing pain. Helps bacteria infections, asthma, memory retention, and also slows cancer tumor growth.

Borneol – Has a camphor smell; helps with wound-healing, including fibrosis. Aids in delivering treatment by improving absorption through the blood-brain barrier.

β-Caryophyllene - Has a peppery scent; cannabinoid effects the CB2 receptor to help with anxiety, inflammation, perception of pain, autoimmune disorders, and depression. Acts as a neuroprotectant and reduces alcohol consumption.

Cineole \ Eucalyptol – Smells similar to rosemary with notes of spicy camphor; increases the absorption and circulation of medicine.

P-Cymene – Has a fresh, carroty odor that is antimicrobial and anti-fungal; helps to relax muscles, including cardiac muscles, which can lead to lower blood pressure.

Delta 3 Carene – Gives off a pine scent; acts as an antihistamine, eliciting a calming feeling to aid in well being. Has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a nervous system depressant; serves as a great complementary treatment for anxiety and insomnia.

Isopulegol – Gives off a minty menthol smell; also has a cooling effect, anti-oxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that help with breathing, pain, ulcers, and seizures.

Limonene – Has a strong citrus scent; works like a cleanser to dissolve gallstones, reduces reflux/heartburn and cholesterol while destroying cancer. Is an anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory while detoxification properties help the liver. Improves mood, weight management, and sleep.

Linalool – Releases a spicy floral fragrance; reduces stress, pain, convulsions, and treats burns.

Nerolidol – Has a woody bark smell; acts as a sedative. Absorbed through skin to aid topical medication. Has anti-fungal properties while reducing malaria infections.

The Benefits of the Terpene p-Cymene in Cannabis

p-Cymene is a terpene found in cannabis at a low dosage. It is a volatile monoterpene that an essential oil found in coriander, cumin, oregano, eucalyptus, thyme and cannabis. High concentrations of p-Cymene can cause nausea, headaches, agitation and even loss of consciousness.

Used in its natural form in low concentrations it benefits as an antimicrobial and fragrance.(Source)

Cannabis has a low concentration of p-Cymene allowing it to be safe for consumption. The terpene can give a carrot or orange odor. It has antimicrobial, antifungal and AchE inhibiting properties.(Source) The inhibition of AchE prolongs the duration of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter can lower blood pressure by inhibiting cardiac muscle to contract.(Source) It also is used during eye surgery to make the eye muscles contract and constrict the pupil.(Source)

Source:

http://beneforce.com/Constituent/Constituent-pages/p-cymene.htm

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2180/5/36

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=295057

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetylcholine

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0008808/

The Benefits of Nerolidol in Cannabis

Nerolidol is a naturally occurring terpene in Cannabis as well as ginger, jasmine, lavender and tea tree. The aroma smells like a woody bark and is used as an essential oil in many products. Nerolidol is useful in transdermal delivery of other cannabinoids in the cells.(Source) Nerolidol contributes to the complete medicine of the cannabis plant in the entourage effect.

Nerolidol is a sequiterpene which means it is a more stable chemical structure than other terepenes. It gives sedative properties that treats insomnia. Its absorption through the skin helps facilitate topical applications for skin conditions or pain.(Source) Nerolidol in studies has also shown to have anti-fungal properties and reduce infection of Malaria.(Source)

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerolidol

https://www.thcfarmer.com/community/threads/the-terpenes-of-cannabis-their-aromas-and-effects.68222/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17202684

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC434199/

Synthetic Marijuana is NOT the Real Deal

The inaccessibility to cannabis has led to synthetic marijuana. These man-made drugs try to mimic THC. Synthetic marijuana is also known K2, Spice or Synthetic cannabinoids. This new recreational drug is increasingly becoming a public health problem for its side effects and unpredictable nature.

Demand for the high that marijuana gives has led to a demand for synthetic marijuana. Cannabis can be inaccessible due to the price and regulation of the medicine. Synthetic marijuana can be made far cheaper than growing the cannabis plant. The product is disguised as “herbal incense” or “potpourri” with labels that read “Not for Human Consumption” to evade regulation by the FDA.

Synthetic marijuana has harmful side effects. It can cause anxiety, elevated blood pressure, agitation, vomiting, racing heart, hallucinations, tremors, seizures, and suicidal thoughts. It is usually sprayed on plants to make it look like marijuana. Though it binds to the CB1 receptor like cannabis, it can be 100 or more times more potent leading to a dangerous outcome. An example is like drinking a glass of water vs. drinking 10 gallons. A glass is healthy, where as too much can be deadly.(Source)

In 2010 there were 11,000 emergency room visits due to synthetic marijuana.(Source) Two years later the ER visits jumped to 17,000 and continue rising exponentially. Marijuana in the natural form has caused no deaths.(Source) Synthetic marijuana has caused heart attacks, suicide and aggressive behavior.(Source) The legalization for marijuana in it's natural form can give a safe alternative to dangerous synthetic designer drugs.

Source:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/synthetic-drugs-k2-spice-bath-salts

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2014/08/28/6-reasons-synthetic-marijuana-spice-k2-is-so-toxic-to-the-brain/

http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/SR-1378/SR-1378.pdf

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2011/11/18/what-is-synthetic-pot-and-whys-it-causing-heart-attacks-in-teenagers/#.VTPIRpODCM8

The Benefits of the Terpene Linalool

The terpene Linalool is a primary scent in many cleaning and hygene products. Linalool is naturally found in cannabis, lavender, coriander, and other fragrant herbs and citrus. The scent gives a sweet floral and spicy scent.

Studies have shown that inhaling the linalool fragrance can reduce stress, pain, convulsions and treat skin burns. The effects are from the ability of Linalool to moderate glutamate and the GABA neurotransmitters in the body. This results in the bodies ability to bring itself back to a pre-stress stability.(Source)

Linalool breaks down with oxidation. When the terpene breaks down the oxidation can sometimes cause an allergic skin reaction to about 5% of people. It is also a chemical intermediate that can create Vitamin E. Cannabis strains that are high in Linalool are Lavender, L.A. Confidential and Grand Daddy Purple.

Source:

http://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linalool

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19456160

http://www.demeter.org.es/pdf/investi_a/Taming_THC-_potential_cannabis_synergy_and_phytocannabinoid-terpenoid_entourage_effects.pdf

Explaining the “Entourage Effect” in Cannabis

The Whole Cannabis Plant works Synergisticly to Provide Medicine

In 1998 Shimon Ben-Shabatt and Raphael Mechoulam coined the term the “Entourage Effect”. This term explains how cannabis medicinally works with terpenes and cannabinoids. They show the importance of all active ingredients of cannabis for maximum effectivness.

The Entourage Effect is directing a new thinking in cannabis medicine. In 1985 Marinol singled out THC as the only active ingredient. Better results have been shown by adding CBD with THC in the medicine Sativex. GW Pharmeceuticals has incorporated the Entourage Effect in their further research to make new cannabis medicine.

The cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis work together to maximize treatments. Raphael Mechoulam said while introducing the Entourage Effect, “Very seldom is the biological activity of the active constituent assayed together with inactive 'entourage' compounds.” The variety of terpene and cannabinoids profiles create the distinctive effects and strains of the cannabis plant.

Source:

http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/EntourageEffect.pdf

http://www.leafscience.com/2014/09/11/medical-marijuana-entourage-effect/

http://www.hightimes.com/read/understanding-effects-indica-vs-sativa

The Terpene β-Caryophyllene in Cannabis

The Terpene β-Caryophyllene is the Only Approved Cannabinoid

The terpene caryophyllene gives a spicy peppery scent to some cannabis strains. It is also found in black pepper, cloves, cotton, hops, oregano and rosemary. β-Caryophyllene is a unique terpene categorized as a cannabinoid (BCP). This classification is from the way it effects the CB2 receptor. The relation with the receptor helps with anxiety, perception of pain and depression.(Source) Studies have also shown it to act as a neuroprotectant and reduce alcohol consumption.(Source)

Caryophyllene has been shown to help anxiety, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, multiple sclerosis symptoms and gastrointestinal problems. Studies with β-Caryophyllene are promising for how it works as a cannabinoid without any psychotic effects. This is due to how it effects the CB2 receptors without effecting the CB1 receptors which give the marijuana high.(Source)

Strains that are high in caryophyllene include Super Silver Haze, Nevilles Haze and Hash Plant. Marijuana sniffing dogs are trained to look for the smell of Caryophyllene.(Source) Β-Caryophyllene is the first FDA approved cannabinoid.

Source:

http://www.leafscience.com/2014/07/08/b-caryophyllene-terpene-anxiety-depression/

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938414003400

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caryophyllene

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305714001956

The Story Behind RAW Rolling Papers

Raw Rolling Papers

RAW is well known for it's unrefined and unbleached rolling paper that contain no additives. The product is popular with the customers at OUTCO in El Cajon, San Diego due to it's natural non-toxic properties. RAW is produced in Alcoy, Spain where the origins of rolling paper come from the days of Christopher Columbus.

Rolling papers for cigarettes originate from the late 1400's. Columbus brought back cigars to Spain from Cuba. As told in the history of RAW on their website, Cuban cigars at that time were only available to aristocrats. Left over stubs were re-rolled with newsprint making the first rolled cigarettes.

Alcoy, Spain became the central city for making rolling paper in the 1800's. At first they were a bleached white paper to signify cleanliness and hygiene. The craft of making papers thin and with flavor originated and were refined in Alcoy. In the 1900's Barcelona's bigger factories took over the rolling paper industry. Alcoy remained to have artisans making small batches of rolling paper with antique machines.

The founder of RAW, Josh Kesselman had a desire to make an unrefined natural paper. He received a lot of discouragement for the brown paper from manufacturers. The industry told Josh that nobody wanted to smoke a paper bag. Taking a risk he put his money into the RAW project and proved that their was a demand by smokers for a natural product. Today RAW is one of the most popular brands for its non-toxic, additive free paper.

Source:

http://rawthentic.com/heritage/alcoy-spain/

The Terpene Limonene in Cannabis

The Terpene Limonene is Found in Citrus

Citrus Smells & Tastes in Cannabis are from the Terpene Limonene

The terpene limonene is found in citrus, rosemary, peppermint as well as cannabis. Clinical studies have found it to dissolve gallstones, helps with reflux, heartburn and destroys cancer cells in the breast. It is also widely used as an essential oil to improve mood, weight management and sleep.(Source)

Limonene has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has shown to work as a cleanser and de-toxifyer throughout the body. It has shown to reduce gall stones. It is also breaks down fat cells to reduce cholesterol. The liver benefits from limonene with detoxification enzymes. It's ability to improve metabolism aids in weight management.(Source) One of the most important aids in detoxification for cannabis users is it's anti-carcinogenic properties. This aids in reducing the harmful effects of smoking cannabis.(Source)

Strains High in the Limonene Terpene

Cannabis strains that are high in limonene are Electric Lemonade, Jack the Ripper, OG Kush and Super Lemon Haze. Limonene gives sativa effects and therefore generally found in sativa strains of cannabis. Studies have shown that limonene is quickly absorbed by cell membranes allowing for other terpenes to be absorbed faster and more effectively.(Source)

Source:

http://www.hightimes.com/read/talking-terpenes

http://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy

http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/d-limonene_help_for_digestion_metabolism_detoxification_anxiety_breast_canc/

http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/04/13/terpenes-terpenoids-what-are-they-what-do-they-do/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3123086

The Different Forms of Concentrate Made from BHO Extraction

BHO Extraction

Shatter Made from BHO Extraction

Wax, shatter, and hash oil are all forms of cannabis concentrate made by BHO Extraction. This form is safe to consume but very dangerous to make. The final process of extraction results in the production of wax, shatter or hash oil.

Shatter and Oil are known to be the most potent and purest form of concentrates. During the last part of the BHO Extraction the chemical solvents are purged out. These solvents are used to extract the hash. This results in a shatter or oil after the purging. Shatter is a clear and hard substance that breaks easily. Hash oil is a clear liquid form used for syringes or cartridges for the increasingly popular vape pens.

Wax can come in the form of “budder” or “crumble”. Budder is a whipped thick product that can be used to make edibles. Crumble is a flaky form that can be formed with parchment paper to make small chunks to be dabbed with. Budders are made by whipping the extract at the final purging process of BHO extraction. This whipping adds air to make it froth and become more solid as it cools.

Marijuana concentrate offers a potent, discreet and clean way of administering cannabis medicine. OUTCO in San Diego California offers a large variety of Wax, Shatter and Hash Oil concentrate. We currently offer the following:

Shatter: Carmel Shatter, Berry White Nug Run and Sherbert Nug Run Shatter

Oil: Eureka Vape Cartridges, Spliffen Pure Vape Cartridges, CBD Oil Gold, CBD Oil Balm, CBD Oil Spray, CBD Oil Capsules, CBD Harlequin Tinctures

Wax: Loudpack brand Wax and Crumble

The Cannabis Terpene Alpha Pinene

Alpha Pinene is the most common terpene in the plant world and also found in cannabis. Other plants such as basil, dill, parsley, pine needles, and rosemary are rich in α-pinene . Some of the cannabis strains that offer the most alpha pinene terpene are Bubba Kush, Chemdawg, Jack Herer, Super Silver Haze and Trainwreck.

Terepenes offer medicinal effects when consumed or used topically. Terepenes have shown to help in the biosynthesis for CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.(Source) Alpha pinene works synergistically with THC to help regulate the psychosis effects when consuming cannabis.(Source) Alpha pinene is an organic compound offering medicinal value for many applications.

Alpha pinene has shown to give anti-inflammatory properties(Source). This allows for uses in arthritis, celiac disease, crohn's disease, joint pain and multiple sclerosis where a reduction in inflammation can aid in pain relief. Memory retention is increased with alpha pinene for it's ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain.(Source)

Currently research is being conducted to show the benefits of alpha pinene slowing cancer tumor growth. A 2013 study showed how cancer cells were reduced with pinene on neurblastoma cells.(Source) A 2014 study using an anti-tumor drug concluded that pinene mitigated hepatoma carcinoma.(Source)

Many patients seek cannabis strains high in alpha pinene for it's benefits in asthma treatment and infections. Pinene has shown to be a bronchodilator. It helps to open the airways of the upper respiratory system.(Source) Pinene also has been found to be anti-microbial with the ability to treat bacteria as well as virus infections. Certain bacteria infections have shown positive results with pinene. Pinene has also been found to treat the infectious bronchitis virus. This virus is much harder to treat than bacterial infections.(Source)

Source:

http://theleafonline.com/c/science/2014/10/terpene-profile-pinene/

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x/abstract

http://www.revistas.usp.br/rbcf/article/viewFile/44190/47811

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15740071

http://link.springer.com/article/10.2478%2Fs11756-013-0230-2#page-1

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24815485

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12122569

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21350392

How Cannabis Effects the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis has a profound effect on our body due to it's influence on our endocannabinoid system. The origin of its name comes from the cannabis plant. It is a system of lipids and receptors that maintain health creating a homeostasis environment in the body. The endocannabinoid system is found throughout our body in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands and immune cells. The prevalence of the endocannabinoid system in the body is the reason cannabis can treat many diverse diseases and symptoms.

Environmental factors can cause disruption in the bodies health. Stability is brought back with the endocannabinoid system. The goal for the lipids and receptors are to stabilize numerous body functions including appetite, pain, inflammation, mood, memory, muscle spasms, protect nerves, immunity, and bone density. Cannabis would be the closest cure-all for its ability to affect so many functions in the body.

The endocannabis system is made up of ligands like anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The cannabinoid CB1, CB2, TRPV1 and G protein-coupled receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system. Together these ligands and receptors control the stabilization of the body.

Cannabis can encourage more endocannabinoids and receptors to be made by the body. First-time users of cannabis may not feel an effect from cannabis. As the body increases cannabinoids it responds more effectively to a cannabis treatment. Smaller doses have larger effects for the receptors to respond to marijuana.(Source)

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocannabinoid_system

http://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system

Beta Myrcene is the Most Common Terpene in Cannabis

Beta Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis. It has a spicy herbal scent that is known to aid in treatment to pain, inflammation and muscle relaxation. This terepene is also found in bay leaves, eucalyptus, hops, lemongrass, mangos, parsley and thyme. The high amount of β-Myrcene in Indica strains are what give the “couch-lock” sedative effect.(Source)

Myrcene, or β-myrcene is a monoterpene which is a volatile compound that evaporates quickly with exposure to air. It is known as an essential oil for its fragrance and is used for menthol and citronella products. Cannabis strains that contain high amounts of Beta Myrcene are White Widow and Neville's Haze.(Source)

The benefits of Beta Myrcene are found in it's analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, sedative and ability to reduce muscle spasms. Lemon grass tea is known for it's pain relieving effects due to it's high content in β-myrcene. Studies with high content of Myrcene in mice have shown a sedative quality. The terpene has a unique ability to intesify the effects of the CB1 receptors in the body which helps in inflammation and pain relief.

Myrcene lowers the resisistance across the blood brain barrier. This effect makes other chemicals like THC to absorb and take effect more quickly. Indica strains in cannabis offer a .5% or greater potency in myrcene allowing for better delivery of THC and it's effects. Sativa strains typically contain less than .5% which allows the effects to be more subtle. It has been found that eating a mango a half hour before smoking cannabis increases the psycho active effects for it's high content of β-Myrcene.

Source:

http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/31253?from=summary

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrcene

http://steephilllab.com/resources/cannabinoid-and-terpenoid-reference-guide/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24956819

http://www.marqaha.com/#!under-microscope/c1cbz

Loudpack Extract now at OUTCO

Loudpack Extracts

Loudpack offers a wide variety of crumble and shatter. The word “Loudpack” is a way to describe marijuana that comes from the Atlanta region. People use the term to describe the scent being so loud it overpowers the room. A strong scent signifies freshness and high terepene quality in marijuana.

OUTCO now offers Loudpack the brand to it's members in San Diego California. A variety of Indica and Sativa strains allow for choice on the effects. Crumble and Shatter gives the user a potent, discreet and efficient method of marijuana delivery.

710 in the Cannabis Community

710 Hash Oil

Recently the number 710 has become a number associated with the cannabis community. It is used as a code to represent hash oil. 710 upside down spells OIL. July 10^th and 7:10 pm have a new popular time to use marijuana in the concentrated form. Hash oil, honey oil and wax are extracted potent forms of cannabinoids made from the marijuana plant.(Source)

July 10^th has become popularized as “Dab Day”. A Dab is a single hit of concentrate. Colorado has a 710 Cup Expo that celebrates dabbing with guest speakers, glass blowing and workshops.(Source)

Concentrates have become in high demand for the efficiency, potency, cost effective and discreet method of receiving marijuana.

Source:

http://www.laweekly.com/news/marijuana-710-is-the-new-420-4172236

http://the710cup.com/

The Difference Between Nug Run and Trim Run

Nug Run Shatter

Concentrate made with the whole cannabis flower is called “Nug Run”. "Trim Run" uses shake trim material to make the concentrate. The Nug Run yields better quality by providing more potency, higher terpene profile, cleaner flavor.(Source)

Extraction to make concentrate removes the excess material of the plant to leave a potent cannabinoid product. The Nug Run method will give a larger amount of concentrate than trim. The Trim Run tends to contain more chlorophyll resulting in a smaller yield . Small buds offer a higher yield with higher percentage of crystals per weight. Having Nug Run on the menu at a dispensary is a great find due to the cost of using the whole flower.(Source)

Source:

http://www.thecannabist.co/2014/06/13/marijuana-terms-and-definitions-cannabis-lexicon-glossary-pot-terminology/13174/7/

http://www.hightimes.com/watch/concentrate-basics-shatter-budder-and-oil

http://www.hightimes.com/read/dabs-20-co2-extraction-cannabis-concentrates

Maintaining High Terepene Quality in Cannabis

Terepene quality is difficult to maintain in cannabis. This is due to the highly volatile chemical structure. Evaporation occurs with exposure to air and warming in temperature. The most volatile terpenes are the Monoterepenes that make the fragrance of the cannabis flower. Sesquiterpenes are a more stable structure allowing for taste to be maintained longer than smell. The change is taste from dried flowers can be attributed to the degradation of chlorophyll.

Different factors when cultivating the cannabis plant can effect terepene levels. The weather, climate, soil and fertilizers used will effect the type and amount of terepenes the plant produces.

• Experienced growers can stress the cannabis plant to encourage terepene production in the plant.

• Restricting nitrogen fertilizer during the flowering can help produce larger buds.

• Reducing temperature and humidity slows down the evaporation process of the terepenes.

• Hydroponic grown plants tend to give a higher yield but composted soil grown give a larger terpene profile to the flowers.

• Sunlight and LED lights which contain the full color spectrum tend to have higher terpene counts.

• Not handling the buds will allow for the terepenes to not brush off of the buds.

Harvesting early in the morning is crucial to maintain the highest content of terepenes in the flower. Trichomes excrete terpenes which tend to evaporate during the warmer temperatures later in the day. It is important to seal the flower from exposure to air and light after harvest to maintain the terpenes. Fresh flowers maintain a minty, citrus and fruity aroma. Dried flowers will dull these smells from the loss of terepenes.

Source:

http://terpenes.weebly.com/

http://www.fundacion-canna.es/en/terpenes-other-active-substances-of-cannabis

http://www.growweedeasy.com/better-taste-better-smell

The Purpose of Terpenes in Cannabis

Typically, terpenes are volatile molecules that evaporate easily and readily announce themselves to the nose. Therein lies the basis of aromatherapy, a popular alternative-healing modality. Like their odorless cannabinoid cousins, terpenes are oily compounds secreted in the marijuana plant’s glandular trichomes. Terpenes and THC share a biochemical precursor, geranyl pyrophosphate, which develops into the cannabinoids and terpenoids that saturate the plant’s flower tops.  

But unlike THC and the other plant cannabinoids that exist nowhere else but in marijuana, terpenes are ubiquitous throughout the natural world.  Terpenes are found in a variety of plants including flowers, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices and other botanicals. They are volatile compounds that readily evaporate to give an aroma and taste to the plant.

The purpose of terpenes in plants is to protect itself from predators and cool the plant with it's evaporation.  The taste and smell of terpenes attract or detract animals to improve the survival of the plant. One instance is the corn plant which will emit the terpene sesquiterpene (E)-β-caryophyllene after it is attacked by caterpillars. This terpene attracts wasps that prey on the caterpillars to protect the plant from further damage from the caterpillars.(Source)

Different kinds of terpenes result in different defenses for the plant. Monoterpenes are found in flowers of the plants to attract insects. Sesquiterpenes are found on the leaves of plant to produce a bitter taste to ward off herbivore animals. They can produce a sticky resin and are secreted as oils from trichomes. (Source) Pleasant smelling terpenes attract herbivores that will eat the fruit and help spread the plants seeds. Some terepenes give the plant resistance to fugus to allow for better survival.(Source)

In the morning the terpenes are most prevalent on the plant. When the weather warms up during the day the terpenes evaporate. This evaporation causes an air flow that allows a cooling wind to the plant. This cooling allows the plant to maintain hydration. Plants will typically smell stronger in the morning when the terpenes are on the plant. The smell with be very weakens as they evaporate during the day.(Source)

Source:

http://pb.pharmazie.uni-halle.de/anschrift/forschung/2012131_2199270/?lang=en

http://terpenes.weebly.com/

http://www.fundacion-canna.es/en/terpenes-other-active-substances-of-cannabis

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24192451

What Does 420 Mean?

420 is a number associated with the cannabis culture. People who use marijuana sometimes refer to their subculture as 420 or smoke at 4:20pm in the day. Some use April 20^th, or 4/20 as a day to honor the medicinal herb. The beginning of the number to represent smoking marijuana has many urban legends and the origins remain elusive.

The most popular legend is one that Steve Hagar made famous. He was a writer for the marijuana magazine High Times. The story goes that a group of students from San Rafael High School in 1971 were in search of a hidden marijuana grow. The teenagers used to hang out by a wall outside their school and called themselves the “Waldos”. They would meet at 4:20pm every day by the Louis Pasteur statue at the school. From there they would go on their quest to find the hidden marijuana grow.

Many believe that the 420 began with the Grateful Dead following using 4:20 as their main time to smoke. The following does not claim to be the origin of the 420 popularity. The Grateful Dead tour did bring the trend to many communities and is one of the main reasons it grew into such popularity.

Some believe 420 is the police code for possession of marijuana. Each municipality and state have their own set of laws and guidelines, none with 420 being the code for possession. One exception is with California Senate Bill 420 that sets guidelines for possession. This bill was enacted after the popularity of the number association.

Their are numerous other theories that are untrue. The Grateful Dead did NOT stay only in hotel rooms with the number 420. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison did NOT die on April 20^th. And there are NOT 420 chemical compounds in marijuana, there are only 315 known.

The origins of the number 420 is elusive to the association of marijuana. The popularity can be seen in the widespread use of the number. For instance the Colorado Department of Transportation had a problem of continuously stolen signposts on mile 420 of I-70 east of Denver. To stop the thievery they have replaced it with mile post 419.99.

Source:

http://www.snopes.com/language/stories/420.asp

http://books.google.com/books?id=y9lMGpb0HD4C&pg=PA207#v=onepage&q&f=false

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/420_%28cannabis_culture%29

What Does OG Mean for Marijuana?

There are many marijuana strains that include “OG” in the name. The OG name comes from kush seeds rumored to have been bought at a Grateful Dead show. The meaning has many urban legend theories. All strains that have the OG name are typically a phenotype of the original OG Kush strain.

The most widely accepted theory behind the name is based on the strain originator. He grew a new phenotype of Kush. His friend gave him some cannabis to smoke and told him it was mountain grown. The grower smelled it and recognized the marijuana as his own original strain. He corrected his friend saying it wasn't mountain grown but instead ocean grown. Over time the name was shortened from Ocean Grown Kush to OG Kush.

The distributor of OG Kush seeds is DNA Genetics. San Diego's CityBeat.com asked them what the origin of the OG name was. DNA Genetics believed the name came from the rap group Cypress Hill. The singers use it as slang to say Original Gangster. The original gangster in music refers to a gangster that has been around from the beginning.(Source)

An alternative theory is comes from the website Overgrown.com. This forum was the largest internet site for marijuana cultivation. The website was closed by the Canadian government for illegally distributing seeds. Some people believe this name serves as a tribute to this website.

The original grower left cuttings of his strain in Downey California. The cuttings spread to other growers in San Fernando Valley and Orange County. Popular new strains later developed including; Tahoe OG, SFV OG and Larry OG.

Both the grower and the name origin still remains a mystery. By not growing correctly the strain can result in low yields. The difficulty of growing can make OG Kush a high demand strain. It is thought that it is a cross between Chemdawg with a male that is a cross of Lemon Thai and Paki Kush.

Source:

http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/01/05/the-legend-of-og-kush/

http://www.sdcitybeat.com/sandiego/blog-340-what-does-the-og-in-og-kush-stand-for-ask-cypress-hill.html