What are Cannabis Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic oils that create cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, diesel, and pine. There are many factors that can change a plant’s development of terpenes, including the climate & weather, age, fertilizers, the type of soil, and even the time of day. There is over 100 different terpenes that have been identified in the cannabis and every strain has its own unique terpene type and composition.
Common Terpenes
Myrcene Terpene
Myrcene Terpene is the primary terpene found in cannabis plants. Some cannabis plant’s terpene profile can be made up of 65% Mycrene. It often determines whether a strain is considered an indica or sativa. Plants with more than 0.5% are said to be indica. Myrcene is responsible for giving marijuana its distinctive aroma and contains relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Common Strains: OG Kush, Blue Dream, and Special Kush.
Limonene Terpene
Limonene Terpene is the second most abundant terpene found in cannabis (although not found in all strains). It is found in many citrus fruits and is responsible for the citrusy smell in some strains. Limonene has powerful anti fungal and antibacterial properties. Limonene can also help to eliminate stress & anxiety and enhance mood.
Common Strains: Banana OG, Sour Diesel and OG Kush.
Pinene Terpene
Pinene Terpene is found most abundantly in the pine tree and is what gives pine needles its distinctive smell. Found in two different varieties. The alpha which gives it the pine aroma and the beta has a rosemary, dill, or parsley scent. Pinene is a strong bronchodilator and also has strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
Common Strains: Kosher Tangie, Strawberry Cough and Blue Dream.
Caryophyllene Terpene
Caryophyllene Terpene has a spicy, woody, peppery scent. Studies indicate that this one terpene is capable of performing the big job of treating anxiety, depression, and inflammation.
Common Strains: Girl Scout Cookies, Chemdog, and Sour Diesel.
Terpinolene Terpene
Terpinolene Terpene has a fruity scent and can often be found in Lilacs, Cumin and Nutmeg. About 1/10 strains are Terpinolene-dominant. It is believed they have strong up-lifting effects and also is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Common Strains: Ghost Train Haze, Chernobyl, and Jack Herer
Humulene Terpene
Humulene Terpene can be found in hops, cloves, and basil. Strains that contain can actually help to decrease appetite. It has also shown anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Common Strains: Sherbet, Cookies, and Sour Diesel.
Ocimene Terpene
Ocimene Terpene has a sweet, woody, earthy aroma. It can be found in mint, parsley, and orchids. It has also shown anti-viral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
Common Strains: Clementine, Dream Queen and Dutch Treat
Cannabinoid Extraction and Refinement Methodologies
Butane Extraction
Butane extraction is the preferred extraction method for producing “live” concentrates made from fresh-frozen cannabis. Butane extraction pulls a robust, well-rounded terpene profile. Extraction at cold temperatures protects volatile compounds (like terpenes) while avoiding undesirable compounds like waxes.
CO2 Extraction
CO2 extraction works well with cured cannabis, and is capable of extracting all the desirable compounds from the plant material. But because CO2 extraction does not perform well on samples with high moisture content, it is not used for producing “live” concentrates from fresh-frozen cannabis.
Ethanol Extraction
Ethanol extraction is the cheapest and most efficient method of extracting cannabinoids (like THC) from cannabis. But unlike CO2 and butane extraction, ethanol extraction does not extract the full profile of terpenes and volatile compounds, but does extract certain undesirable compounds that the other extraction methods leave behind. For this reason, ethanol extraction is not ideal for producing full-spectrum concentrates that feature the original cannabis-derived terpenes.