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

Terpenes in Cannabis

Terpenes are the single most reason that cannabis strains are different and unique. Terpenes account for the smell, flavor and effects of the cannabis. THC and Cannabanoids can differ from each strain, however they generally are the same amount and wouldn't bring the interest and glory to each variation for a slight change in percentage amount.

High Times in an article about terpenes talks about David Watson, who was behind hybrid Skunk #1, and his business partner Robert Connell Clarke who formed Hortapharm based in Holland. They had a theory that terpenes added to the potency of THC. They concluded through research that terpene infused resin with 50% THC was more potent than than 100% THC.

Their are over 20,000 variations of terpenes in plants that we eat daily, and about 200 found in cannabis. The main reasoning for the formation of terpenes in the plant world is to repel predators and encourage pollinators. This adds to the smell and tastes in foods and cannabis. Further studies of strains with more terpenes and less THC give the effect of THC without the anxiety that THC can cause. Extracting for oils can be difficult as it burns off faster than THC and other compounds.

Certain Terpenes offer medicinal benefits, and here are a few:

Nerolidol - Helps with skin penetration and is s sedative, an important one in lotions

Beta-caryophyllene - Good for ulcers and anti inflammation in the intestinal tract.

Linalool - Helps with anxiety and stress, as a lotion helps with burns and acne.

Limonene – Antibacterial, a mood lifter, and helps with heartburn and gastro reflux.

Myrcene - Is a Muscle relaxant, pain killer and sedative.

Alpha-pinene - Most commonly found in cannabis, improves memory, asthma and alertness.

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

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