Talking About Terpenes

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]

What are terpenes? Where are they found? And what do they do?

Most seasoned stoners know that different strains of cannabis produce different effects. Some strains boost your energy and stimulate your mind. Others unlock unknown creativity. Still others can make your limbs tingle pleasantly or help you drift off to sleep. Often, the cannabis community uses terms like Indica, Hybrid and Sativa to differentiate between effects. But some experts have indicated that terpenes actually account for many of the effects and benefits of the plant.

Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants. Basically, they’re everywhere. They give plants their distinct flavors and smells, like citruses, florals,  pine, or eucalyptus.

Terpenes makeup essential oils from plants and flowers. Western and alternative medicines use terpenes for their healing benefits. Aromatherapy, fragrances, and flavorings often use terpenes for scent and flavor and effect. Fun fact: Vitamin A is a terpene!

Aromatherapy works by targeting the specific effects of certain terpenes to affect the body in different ways:

  • Lemon and citrus can be stimulating.
  • Lavender tends to relax and calm.
  • Mint can help open airways in the lungs, benefiting respiratory function.

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1985″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Lemon-Mint-Lavendar-e1495834569881.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

Terpenes in cannabis play major roles in contributing to the effects of each strain. Several factors can influence the development of terpenes like genetics, climate, soil type, age and maturation, and soil conditions.

Some terpenes also bind to the receptors in the brain responsible for the production of psychoactive effects, leading many to believe that terpenes play a key role in determining the high the consumer experiences. That means there are a lot of contributing factors to strain potency, beyond total cannabinoid percentage labels.

While THC content can certainly suggest a stoney product, terpene profiles also affect how stoney and the specific qualities associated with a strain. Some terpenes can modify how much THC passes through the blood-brain barrier–the more, the stonier. Certain terpenes can affect dopamine and serotonin by changing their production and destruction.

So how do you know which products will provide the stoney outcomes you’re looking for?

Check out this breakdown of commonly found terpenes, their characteristics, and their medical benefits:

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Alpha-Pinene and Beta-Pinene

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1987″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/pinecoone-255×300.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

Aroma: Pine

Effects: Alertness, memory retention, counteracts some THC effects

Medical Value: Asthma, antiseptic

Also Found In: Basil, dill, pine needles, parsley, and rosemary

High Pinene Cannabis Strains:

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Myrcene

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1997″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cloves-300×140.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

Aroma: Musky, cloves, earthy, herbal with notes of citrus and tropical fruit

Effects: Sedating “couchlock” effect, relaxing, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic; good for muscle tension, sleeplessness, pain, inflammation, depression

Also Found In: Hops, lemongrass, mango, and thyme

High Myrcene Cannabis Strains:

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Limonene

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1977″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”yes” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/citrus-300×180.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

Aroma: Citrus

Effects: Elevated mood, stress relief, antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, dissolves gallstones, mood-enhancer; may treat gastrointestinal complications, heartburn, depression

Also Found In: Fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, peppermint

High Limonene Cannabis Strains:

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Caryophyllene

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1975″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/blackpepper-300×200.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

Aroma: Cloves, pepper, spicy, woody,

Effects: No detectable physical effects, Gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory; good for arthritis, ulcers, autoimmune disorders, and other gastrointestinal complications

Also Found In: Black pepper, cloves, cotton

High Caryophyllene Cannabis Strains:

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Linalool

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1984″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/lavandar.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

Aroma: Floral, citrus, candy

Effects: Anxiety relief and sedation, anti-anxiety, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-acne

Also Found In: Cinnamon, certain types of fungi, lavender, and mint

High Linalool Cannabis Strains:

 

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Alpha Bisabolol

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”2004″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cam-1.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

Flavor / AromaFloral, citrus, and candy

Medicinal UsesCan be used to heal wounds, fights bacteria, and can be used as deodorizer. Some folks think alpha bisabolol has been effective in treating a variety of inflammations.

Strain

  • Oracle

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Geranoil

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1980″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/floral-300×238.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

  • Flavor/Aroma Floral: specifically like geraniums occasionally fruity like passionfruit, peaches, or plums
  • Medical Uses: Can be used as a mosquito repellent. Can also potentially act as an anti-fungal, an anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, and as a neuroprotectant
  • Also found in: stonefruits like passionfruit, peaches, and plums, as well as several types of flowers
  • Strains

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Delta 3 Carene

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1974″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/basil-300×158.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Borneol

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1978″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/earthy-e1495843230944.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

  • Flavor / Aroma – Earthy and like camphor.
  • Medicinal Uses – Borneol can be used as an analgesic, anti-insomnia, anti-septic, and bronchodilator. It can also be an effective natural bug repellant.
  • Strains:

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Camphene

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1981″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/herbal-300×300.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Eucalyptol

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1979″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/eucy-300×194.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

  • Flavor / Aroma – Spicy. Eucalyptol is used as a cooking spice and fragrance.
  • Medicinal Uses – Can be effective in removing mucus from airways, reduce asthma symptoms. Eucalyptol is used in a variety of products including cough suppressants, mouthwash, and body powder. Can also be found in bay leaves, tea tree, sweet basil, rosemary, common sage, and other aromatic plant foliage.
  • Strains – Some cannabis strains contain eucalyptol, however, it is typically in very small amounts. An analysis of Super Silver Haze showed .06% eucalyptol.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Caryophyllene

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1982″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hops-300×180.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

  • Flavor / Aroma – Hoppy. Cannabis and hops are basically cousins.
  • Medicinal UsesStudies suggest that caryophyllene may help treat anxiety and depression.
  • StrainGreen House Seeds tested a hydroponic and a soil-grown specimen of Train Wreck. They found the soil grown cannabis contained .33% caryophyllene. The hydronic only contained .07% caryophyllene.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Terpineol

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”1986″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://thejointllc.website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/pine-300×200.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]

  • Flavor / Aroma – Pine, clove. Also occures in pine trees, lime blossoms, and lilacs.
  • Medicinal UsesStudies suggest cannabis-extracted terpineol contains antioxidant properties. Antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-tumor, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and anxiolytic
  • Strain – A marijuana testing lab claims terpineol is a unique terpene found in

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Which terpenes and flavors are your favorite?
Comment below!

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

*Note: Not every batch of any given strain will have high levels of these terpenes as they are subjected to variable growing conditions. The only way to be sure is through a lab’s terpene analysis.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Lab Cannabis Testing

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]

Should we trust cannabis testing results for product potency?

Customers comment often that the coolest quirk of legalization is cannabis testing. Don’t guess which strain is fire: our consumers feel it only takes a quick compare/contrast of the tiny test results on the back of each baggie before they know which product is powerfully potent. But how effective is that?

Experts across the state have raised their collective eyebrow, questioning the accuracy of these tests by up to 10%. Any budtender will tell you, if you have four different grams for sale, it doesn’t matter if gram A is the frostiest. The highest testing will sell out first.

Customers rely heavily on printed numbers,” a Pot Shop budtender explained. “I’ve looked a customer in the eye and explicitly said, ‘I’ve tried all of these. Don’t believe the numbers. This one is the most potent,’ only to have them nod along and grab the highest testing anyway. Even when it clearly won’t look, taste, or smoke as good.” This attitude proliferates through the cannabis community.

But I thought numbers don’t lie?

Due to regulations, most consumers put blind faith in the numbers on each bag, but mounting evidence suggests we shouldn’t. “There are clear indications that a large number of potency values are higher than reality,” Donald Land, a chemistry professor at UC Davis and part-owner of Steep Hill Labs, told Seattle Weekly. “That’s not because of errors, that’s intentional.”

The issues stem from laws requiring regulations, without laws clearly defining regulatory standards. That means Washington says that cannabis must be tested, but doesn’t yet specify how. Through this grey area, laboratories around the state (and in other cannabis-friendly states) can pad their numbers, ensuring growers return to that lab for more fast-selling lab results.

Not only that, but the natural variations of a plant means that differences will occur flower-to-flower on the same plant. Just like how one rose bush could produce five flowers. The top flower might grow to be enormous and fragrant. But another flower could look sickly and only half bloom, from the same plant. That happens with cannabis too. The plant’s biological components vary enormously. Yet the state only requires tests of one bud from one strain. This leaves space for natural variability and major inaccuracy.

So what is WA State going to do about testing?

In light of testing inconsistencies, the WA Liquor and Cannabis Control Board have proposed requiring labs to test three samples of each product. According to Joanna Eide, the coordinator for the LCB: “The hope is that [average] is a more accurate potency of the plant.”

But Land has reservations about this change. “Just doing the three samples alone won’t solve the problem of bad actors. Bad actors can manipulate three measurements just as easily as they can manipulate one,” he says. And he’s right. Since nothing stops labs from using “business-friendly” results currently, nothing would stop them continuing that practice.

Others have suggested that the three samples be tested by different labs, ensuring independent numbers, and (theoretically) more honest averages. The conversation, however, is ongoing.

Currently, the LCB has opened up the topic of cannabis regulations to the masses. A public hearing will be held 11 January 2017, before a vote on 25 January. If you have opinions on the validity of cannabis testing (and as a consumer, you should), contact the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]