What are terpenes?
The language we use to describe hemp and cannabis has totally evolved over the last decade. We understand more about this plant than ever before, and are able to explain why it affects us the way it does. However, as our knowledge about cannabis grows, it can be difficult to keep track of everything. Here, we’ll dive into one of the most exciting parts of the plant: terpenes. Terpenes have been a hot topic these last few years. They are associated with fragrance as well as a whole slew of benefits. Keep reading to learn more about terpenes, how they interact with our body, and why they matter when it comes to choosing a product.
In the meantime, discover the terpenes in our shop with our delicious blunts and prerolls.
The basics
Terpenes (aka terps) are super fragrant compounds that influence the smell of various plants, herbs, and even some animals. Other than making your favorite strain smell incredible, terpenes have their own biological purpose. In some cases, they attract pollinators, and in others they repel predators. Some even help the plant heal from damage, or act as a buffer for dangerous germs.
Cannabis terpenes
The terpenes found in hemp/cannabis are located in the plants trichomes. These are the fuzzy little appendages found on the buds. Terps are most abundant when the plant is still growing; those trichomes are fragile, and prone to breakage and damage during the harvest process. New methods of extraction and harvesting have been developed to ensure that terpene content is not sacrificed by the time the final product hits the shelves.
Terpenes themselves are not psychoactive; however, they are believed to play a role in how various strains will affect us.
The entourage effect
Though it would be easy to write terpenes off as nothing more than all-natural perfume for the plant, they are being recognized for their other benefits now more than ever. The entourage effect describes the theory that terpenes and cannabinoids work synergistically to produce effects different than they would if they were isolated. So, a CBD isolate wouldn’t be as effective as a product that incorporates CBD along with other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Popular terpenes
Terpenes in hemp and cannabis products can be extracted from the plant, or made artificially. However, there are some terps that you’ll see time and time again.
Limonene: As its name implies, limonene is known for its citrusy scent. In addition to cannabis, it’s found in the rinds of lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits.
Pinene: If the scent of your flower is reminiscent of Christmas trees, then it’s likely you’ve found a strain abundant in pinene. This terpene is also found in pine needles, rosemary, and basil.
Linalool: Linalool is found in lavender, and responsible for its unique, powerful scent. Many find the scent of lavender to be calming, so it’s easy to see why this terpene would be valued in cannabis as well.
Myrcene: Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis. Additionally, it’s found in hops, lemongrass, and thyme. In terms of scent, the aroma is described as earthy, peppery, and musky. In other words, dank.
DVNT terpenes
Each of our blunts and prerolls include flavorful terpenes for you to savor. Inhale something delicious like orange creamsicle or pineapple. You’ll be feeling more relaxed in no time. These sweet summer flavor profiles will work together with delta 8, or HHC, and the CBG that we sprinkle in to all of our blunts and prerolls to curate the perfect vibe with every smoke.
The bottom line
Terpenes are showing up everywhere from head shops, to medical journals, to dispensaries. Though they’re found all over nature, it’s their presence in our favorite plant that is truly exciting. Terps are recognized as being an integral part of the hemp and cannabis plant. Their potential to work together with cannabinoids to produce better effects is an exciting discovery. And research about these compounds is still ongoing! It will be amazing to see what else we learn about terpenes in the years to come.