Terpenes In Cannabis
Terpenes are secreted and produced through the same glands, on the cannabis plant, as cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Terpenes are aromatic oils that make up the smell of many cannabis varieties. Terpenes also give cannabis its distinctive flavors like citrus, woody, herbal, and pine tastes.
Just like thousands of other plants and flowers found throughout the world, the development of terpenes within cannabis begin for adaptive purposes. One reason is to repel predators and another is to lure pollinators.
There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even the time of day.
Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and every strain tends toward a unique terpene type and composition. Here is an example, a strain like Lemon Haze and its descendants will likely have a distinct fresh peeled lemon smell, and Blueberry OG offspring will often produce the smell of, well, BERRIES!
Terpenes may also play a major role in differentiating a targeted effect of various medical conditions that cannabis is used for, but more studies are needed to understand how that actually works and to what extent. In my opinion… just get the job done asap!
Some terpenes might promote relaxation and relief of stress, while others potentially will boost awareness, focus, and acuity. Myrcene, for example, is found in many Oklahoma cannabis strains like Blue Dream and Granddaddy Purple. Terpinolene is commonly found in uplifting, active strains like Cinderella99.
The effect usually associated with any particular terpene may change in the presence of other cannabis compounds, this is known as “the entourage effect”. More research is needed to understand each terpene’s exact effect when used together with other cannabis components.
Their differences can be very slight, but terpenes can add a lot of flair to a market of cannabis conNO(I)SSEurs who love a strong whiff of terpenes. They may also add the relaxing qualities to cannabis, based on their unique medicinal properties.
Every cannabis product in Oklahoma tests for terpene content, so you may get a better understanding of what effects a strain might produce by simply asking your budtender. With the unlimited combinations of potential entourage effects, terpenes are keeping medical scientists busy with conducting further research.
If you ever have any questions about the terpenes used or found in the Oklahoma cannabis products you’re looking at in any or (my favorite dispensary Twisted Terps in Wagoner,OK), ask your budtender!
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