This blog article is the second in our Cannabis 101 series that covers the basic components of marijuana. If you want to start at the beginning, check out our first article in this series, “Cannabis 101: A Guide to Consuming Different Types of Cannabis.”
Understanding Cannabis Terpenes & Trichomes
You know that exquisite weedy smell leftover on your fingertips after packing a fresh bowl of delicious bud? You can thank trichomes or small hair-like glands that form on the cannabis plant that produce aromatic compounds known as terpenes.
Terpenes are often modified to give a plant its profile and can help you determine what strains meet your preferences in terms of aroma, taste, and effects. Furthermore, understanding the relationship between trichomes and terpenes will create a whole new appreciation for the texture, and taste of the next batch of nugs you buy. With that said, we will try to break down these two cannabis terms starting with the basics.
What Are Trichomes?
Trichomes Definition: Trichomes are tiny, microscopic crystal-like particles that grow on cannabis. – Canna Connection
Trichomes derive from the Greek word, trichōme and can be translated in the simplest form to the word “hair”. They are the epidermal outgrowths that grow on any type of plant and are what give the cannabis plant its crystal-like glow. Moreover, it’s trichomes that give the cannabis plant their sticky consistency. Saying that you know you have some good weed when it feels like you have touched glue after touching your nugs.
Abundant trichome formation can be associated with quality, as it’s trichomes that are responsible for producing terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids, the chemical compounds that get you high as a kite. But more importantly, it’s these magical compounds that provide the popular therapeutic and medicinal benefits that the cannabis plant is known for.
Okay, So What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes definition: highly aromatic compounds that determine the smell of many plants and herbs. – Medical News Today
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that quite simply make your bud smell super dank. In other words, terpenes are produced by trichomes and are responsible for making a cannabis strain produce certain flavour notes. Quality weed has an abundance of trichomes and therefore a high concentration of terpenes.
Terpenes are responsible for producing the vibrant flavors that can be distinguished in weed strains. For example, some cannabis strains may have a citrusy flavor profile, while other strains may have hints of lavender or mint. For those who are craving an earthy flavor profile, the infamous Bubba Kush, offers a sweet mix of herbal woody goodness. Whereas Hawaiian Cookies has hints of mint, blueberry, and tropical flavour notes. With more than 100 different terpenes recognized in the cannabis plant, each cannabis strain has a unique set of aromas, flavours and effects. Choosing one that’s right for you? Well, that’s the fun part.
Choosing A Weed Strain According To Terpene Composition
Since terpenes essentially accentuate the therapeutic benefits of a cannabis plant, being familiar with certain scent and flavour profiles might help determine the “high” you will get from a certain strain. Common cannabis scents and flavours include citrus, wood, lavender, and pine. The effects produced from terpene or scent profiles could range from invigorating to sedating. Most cannabis consumers agree that terpene composition adds to the full-spectrum, or the overall intoxicating effects you will get when consuming cannabis. Distinguishing a plant’s terpene composition and the psychoactive effects they will have on the mind and body, requires a bit of research.
According to High Times, the most common terpenes found in cannabis are:
- Limonene
- Pinene
- Myrcene
- Linalool
- Delta-3-Carene
- Eucalyptol
- Beta-Caryophyllene
- Humulene
- Borneol
- Terpineol
You can also ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my goal to reduce stress, anxiety, PTSD? Then choosing a strain that has a terpene content with myrcene, limonene and linalool may help reduce those symptoms.
- Am I looking to help curb insomnia? Or a better night’s sleep? A strain that contains elevated levels of linalool, terpinolene, and myrcene may help promote a relaxed state.
Understanding Terpene Profiles
Understanding a terpene profile of a cannabis plant is a complex process. Luckily, many dispensaries have experts on board to answer any questions you may have about each strain’s unique features, including its terpene profile. In any case, you don’t have to be a weed whiz to distinguish between good and bad bud.
You can use some of your basic senses, like touch, smell, and taste to find the perfect scrumptious strain for you. So, get your olfactory senses and taste buds ready, there is a lot of tasty heavenly green out there waiting to unleash its potent terpene power.
