The Role of Terpenes in Cannabis
There are over 700 recognized cannabis strains (unique variations of the plant). Think of them like different grape or apple varieties. Apples come in many varieties like red delicious, golden delicious, gala, Fuji, pink lady, and so on. Some apples are juicy and sweet like candy while others are crisp and tart. Similarly, cannabis can come in the form of a citrus-y, pungent Lemon Skunk or have the mellow, berry-like sweetness of Blue Dream.
It’s well known that the many strains of cannabis have unique effects on the human body. This has been largely attributed to a strain’s THC to CBD ratio as well as its Indica or Sativa classification. In reality, however, this is only part of the picture.
Within the cannabis family, each strain has a unique terpene profile. Each terpene profile can consist of many different kinds of terpenes.
Like all plants, cannabis uses terpenes as a natural protectant. Many cannabis plants have a terpene profile that accentuates lemongrass at the top of the plant to repel insects. Terpenes that produce a bitter flavor are often found towards the bottom of the plant to prevent small critters from munching on the leaves.
The soil, sun, air and all other aspects of the environment in which the plant is grown have an effect on the terpene profile—just like it does for wine grapes or coffee beans. Even the cultivation process after the flower is harvested has an impact. Have you ever noticed that the smell of the dried flower changes over time? That is a result of terpenes leaving the flower’s surface, the smell fades as the terpenes fade.
