What are terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that create natural scents like lavender, orange, rosemary, cannabis, and pine. Most commonly found in plants, they can be found in everyday products too. The cannabis plant is well-known for having high concentrations of terpenes which is why so many people associate terpenes with it. (1)

What do terpenes do? How do terpenes affect the body?

Terpenes play an important role in nature and especially in plants. They are responsible for attracting pollinators and repelling predators. They’re also known to boost plant immune systems and keep them healthy from infectious germs.
Since most terpenes are technically bioactive, they will affect the body. The higher the concentration of terpenes, the larger the effect on the body. Many terpenes are associated with their therapeutic and calming effects on the human body. While studies on the effects of terpenes on the human body are limited, many believe terpenes have an antioxidant effect, boosting the effects of cannabinoids and giving you a greater high. (2) This is also called the ‘entourage effect.’

How do you use terpenes?

Terpenes can be extrapolated from plants and used as scents and mixed into fragrances in other products like body lotions, perfumes, and food products. In cannabis, terpenes are used to enhance the effect of cannabinoids.
Since terpenes are incredibly aromatic, many people will use terpene-based solutions or products as forms of aromatherapy or stress-relief. This can be in the form of a candle, an essential oil, or an aerosol.

What are CBD terpenes?

While scientists have found over 100 different terpenes in cannabis, some are more commonly used than others. Some of the most common CBD terpenes include:

• Lymonene – known for its citrusy smell
• Myrocene – a powerful antioxidant found in hops, lemongrass, and thyme
• Pinene – therapeutic and known for its rosemary and pine aroma
• Linalool – closely associated with its lavender aroma and therapeutic effect
• Humulene – found in hop, clove, and ginger
• Caryophyllene – known for its spicy aroma closely associated to cinnamon and cloves
• Terpinolene – less common, but recognized for its multidimensional aroma of citrus, pine, and flowers

How to increase terpenes?

Increasing terpenes will give your solution a stronger aroma. We can learn more about this by examining the terpene-boosting strategies cannabis growers use across the growth cycle of cannabis plants.
There are essentially 6 ways cannabis growers enhance the flavor profile of cannabis with more terpenes:

1. Add terpene-boosting nutrients
2. Use terpene-boosting soil
3. Stress cannabis plants or pinch branches back
4. Use UVB Lights
5. Change the humidity in the greenhouse
6. Use enhancing harvesting techniques
   
   

How to dilute terpenes?

Since terpenes are highly concentrated, there is a risk involved with people using them in high concentrations without diluting it or mixing it into other substances. Diluting terpenes means that you reduce the strength of the terpene in a substance or mixture. Carrier oils, concentrates, coconut oil, PG, and PEG are often used to dilute terpenes. A good rule of thumb is to never use more than 10% terpene in any product. It’s best to experiment with 1% and gradually increase to your optimal flavor and effect.

How can using Chem Service terpene analytical standards help you?

Chem Service has over sixty years setting the standard for high-quality chemical testing. With superior customer service, we will work with you to find the right materials and standards for your testing needs. Contact us today for more information about terpene analytical standards.

Sources:

1. “What to Know about Terpenes.” Medical News Today, Healthline Media, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-terpenes#terpenes-vs-cannabinoids. Accessed February 2021.
2. Grassmann, J. “Terpenoids as Plant Antioxidants.” PubMed.gov, National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16492481/. Accessed February 2021.
3. “6 Ways to Increase Terpene Levels in Cannabis.” 3 Gems Nutrition, 2021, https://3gemsnutrition.com/articles/6-ways-increase-terpene-levels-cannabis/. Accessed February 2021.