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Wellness

What are Derived Terpenes?

Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended solely for informational and entertainment purposes. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. 

By now, you’re probably familiar with the term terpene, or at least your favourite one for sure, and if you’ve ever purchased any cannabis online or even at a local dispensary, that terpene must be on your shopping list. Peppery caryophyllene or floral linalool? Perhaps the sedative myrcene, one of the most abundant cannabis terpenes? While terpenes were around ever since life began on Earth, they were only ‘discovered’ a few decades back in the botanical arena.

For this reason, it might surprise you that we do have such a thing as cannabis-derived terpenes. Today, we’ll tell you all about these compounds and brush up on your cannabis science.

Key Takeaways

  • Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants, including cannabis, which contribute to their scent and flavor. They play a crucial role in plant defense and attract pollinators.
  • Synthetically derived terpenes mimic natural terpenes but may lack the nuanced benefits of high terpene extract, which retains the natural complexity of cannabis-derived terpenes.
  • Terpenes are not only responsible for the flavors and aromas of cannabis but also offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and sedative properties.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are tiny particles that give plants, trees and fruits their unique smell—the difference between a green apple and a red one, between a tangerine and an orange, and between a classic Haze and a Sour Hawaiian Haze. In short, they interact with the rest of the chemical profiles of all plants and herbs to provide them with a smell and flavour profile you cannot find elsewhere.

However, the importance of terpenes is not to be found in their aromas per se, but rather in the role they bring to protect plants against plagues and help pollinators find them. In humans, the benefits of terpenes in the treatment of different conditions are nothing short of amazing—but that’s another story. The interesting thing about terpenes is that they’re classified, and a subcategory of these is cannabis-derived terpenes.

What Is Cannabis-derived Terpenes?

The cannabis-derived terpenes are the ones that naturally occur in the cannabis plant and are organically synthesised as a natural pest repellent. Zoom in on a Delta 8 Abacus 2.0 nug; you’ll see shiny particles at the top of the dark green plant matter: trichomes, where all your cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes are found. In total, there are 200 terpenes naturally produced by cannabis plants, but only about 20 or 30 of them are showcased.

Each plantar hash that you can find on the market will have different proportions of each terpene, and it is very important to make sure that the product you are purchasing has good quality because you could open a jar of your favourite nugs and nothing comes out of its buds.

Nowadays, some companies sell terpene extractions, which are identical to essential oil: in this case, the terpenes are extracted from the plant material produced by the cannabis plant, and you can use it with your vape by putting some drops of pure terpenes in your distillate and using it. Thus, all the things you will ingest will be natural, and you will improve the taste of your product.

What Is Synthetic Terpenes?

The synthetic compound is synthesised in a lab, likely created through the replication of the chemical structure of a real counterpart (ie, a non-cannabis-derived terpene), creating a product that’s typically cheaper and faster to produce than its naturally derived counterpart.

Shampoos, cleaning agents and even perfumes may have them as an ingredient. Because, unlike terpenes found in cannabis, synthetic terpenes do not rely on organic growing conditions to be a specific aroma or flavour, this is the type of terpene that many companies will choose over a cannabis-derived terpene. Finding the right source of your synthetic terpenes can be difficult because they can be harmful to your health.

Benefits of Terpenes

Above all, it is terpenes that are largely responsible for the Entourage Effect – if you’ve seen the phrase attached to weed culture, you’ve likely seen this one, too. The Entourage Effect refers to the interplay of cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other compounds in a strain that create those specific effects and benefits.

Beside getting you high, terpenes can claim anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antioxidant, sedative and sleep-inducing properties to their names – and, as such, botanists around the world study the biological actions of isolated terpenes in the hopes of finding new treatments for several illnesses.

Common Cannabis-Derived Terpenes

If you are the kind of smoker who likes to check out the most important details of the strains they’re buying, you’ve probably noticed that some terpenes come up much more frequently than others. To learn more about them, check out the following list of the most common cannabis-derived terpenes:

  • Pinene: the earthy and piney scent this terpene exudes makes it a cannalovers’ favorite for its freshness. Pinene contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, making it a highly valuable terpene.
  • Caryophyllene: another fan favorite, caryophyllene is a peppery terpene that can bind to the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, helping to regulate pain sensations and easing inflammation.
  • Myrcene: this is the most abundant terpene found in cannabis, with about 65% presence in the whole cannabis world. This pungent compound has strong sedative effects and induces sleep and relaxation.
  • Bisabolol: although it isn’t as popular as the terpenes mentioned above, bisabolol is a pleasant terpene you should get to know. It has a range of benefits, from potent anti-inflammatory properties to anti-allergic benefits.
  • Humulene: just like beer, cannabis contains humulene, which offers a woody, hoppy aroma to your flower and also has anti-tumor and pain-relieving properties.

Other cannabis-derived terpenes you can find in your favorite buds include:

  • Borneol
  • Camphene
  • Delta-3-Carene
  • Eucalyptol
  • Guaiol
  • Geraniol
  • Linalool
  • Ocimene

Cannabinoids vs Terpenes

So what exactly differentiates terpenes from the more well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD? If cannabinoids are the ones responsible for creating and sustaining the effects of cannabis, we are used to the immediate and powerful impact of CBD isolates or THC oils. But, as highlighted earlier in this article, terpenes can either intensify or modulate the effects of cannabinoids depending on their concentration in the cannabis strain.

Due to their chemical structure, terpenes are also distinct from cannabinoids because they do not interact with endocannabinoid receptors, but instead activate olfactory and GABA receptors, which are responsible for the regulation of neuronal firing and critically involved in emotional regulation, pain and sleep. The exception to this nature-created diversity is Caryophyllene, which was found to bind to the CB2 receptors of our endocannabinoid system.

Cannabis-sourced terpenes are responsible for a strain’s potency, efficiency and smell. It is for this reason that we recommend you try products with high terpene profiles and quality. You will get an experience from this that you can’t achieve from low-quality bud. If you wish to focus and really experience the subtleties between one strain and the other, the Vanilla & Floral – White CBG is a fragrant option. The White CBG consists of 10.5 per cent CBG and some of the most beautiful and bristling crystal trichomes. Its dominant terpenes are guaiol, bisabolol, caryophyllene and humulene.

What Are Derived Terpenes: Frequently Ask Questions

What Are Synthetically Derived Terpenes?

Synthetic terpenes are terpenes synthesised in a lab, instead of being extracted directly from a plant from which they were originally extracted. For example, the lab may create terpenes naturally produced by a plant elsewhere. The synthetic method may be used to create terpenes that are too rare or too expensive to extract from a plant, or to achieve a purer and more consistent product than what could be extracted from the plant.

What Is The Difference Between Derived Terpenes And Live Resin?

The biggest divide between derived terpenes and live resin boils down to production (whether naturally derived but not from cannabis or synthetically made) and chemical profile. Derived terpenes are often added to products as flavour and aroma enhancers. Live resin is produced by flash freezing freshly harvested plants and extracting compounds from them in a similar fashion to distillate, except that it retains a wider and more intact profile of terpenes and cannabinoids present on the live plant. Live resin is generally more aromatic than a plant or product with derived terpenes added to it, and is generally perceived to be a more authentic experience than products with other added terpenes.

References for this Article:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7763918/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8489319/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5113832/
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/terpene
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9861703/

Note: This article is provided by Botany Farms for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is intended to offer insights into the practice of dabbing and the use of cannabis concentrates, reflecting current knowledge and research within these areas. It is not aimed at diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any diseases or health conditions. As the legal status of cannabis varies across different regions, it is the responsibility of the reader to be informed about their local laws regarding cannabis use. Botany Farms advises all readers to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about cannabis consumption to understand fully the potential risks and benefits. Botany Farms and the authors of this content disclaim all liability for any adverse effects that may arise from the use of information provided in this article.

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