Terpenes are naturally occurring organic chemical compounds found in most plants and some animals. They provide protection from inclement weather and predators.
Operating like a plant’s innate immune system, terpenes convey messages about the surrounding environment and produce compounds to defeat harmful elements.
The cannabis plant profile contains at least 150 known terpenes that contribute to its signature tastes, smells, and effects. Similarly, when considering edible plants, terpenes are responsible for the distinct characteristics of a plant’s colour, taste, and even nutritional value.
Why are terpenes so important?
What is certain is that terpenes play an important role in the aroma and flavour of a cannabis strain. What is not certain is whether they have a significant impact on the potency of your pot.
When considering the female trichomes in the cannabis flower, it is increasingly believed that they contribute to the euphoric effects of marijuana use.
Research into the more than 500 terpenes in cannabis is still in its infancy, so it is difficult to make any definitive claims. It is believed that they work in synergy with cannabinoids (THC/CBD) and other cannabis plant compounds to produce psychoactive effects.
Studies are being conducted to determine how much of a role they have in producing the sensation of feeling “high,” but the jury is still out.
Some researchers believe terpene levels might explain why two different strains of cannabis with equal levels of THC produce different experiences. In fact, researchers are looking at measuring terpenes as a way to classify the different strains and even predict their effects.
If science is finally able to accurately measure the “high” produced by different strains of cannabis, this would be a game-changer for the industry.
Edibles are a popular choice for the new cannabis consumer, but the uncertainty of a suitable dose remains. If measuring the levels of terpenes finally affords a way to classify the effects of a single dose, the market for edible marijuana will be off the charts.
How do terpenes affect the body?
The aromatic properties of terpenes are well-known and have been used by humans for centuries to create essential oils for aromatherapy.
Lavender oil, for example, contains linalool, which has properties that can potentially help you relax. Similarly, terpenes in certain strains of cannabis can also create the same relaxing result.
However, the sensations go beyond feeling good or relaxing. In fact, terpenes have taken center stage in the frontier of cannabis medicines. Historically, the focus has been on the therapeutic qualities of cannabinoids produced by THC and CBD.
With further research, it has been determined that terpenes are more sophisticated than first thought, and these aromatic compounds are also medicinal.
How do THC, CBD, and terpenes compare?
THC and CBD are just two of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in marijuana. Both cannabinoids and the levels of terpenes provide clues about the effects of a product. That being said, terpenes, THC, and CBD do not really compare; they intermingle.
The hypothesis is that the terpene profile works in tandem with THC and CBD. Experts call this intermingling the “entourage effect.”
The scientific consensus is that the “full spectrum” of cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically to produce the distinct sensations of different strains of your favourite pot.
Cannabis: Terpenes With Harvesting
The cannabis flower produces essential oils from the trichome “glands,” which is where the precious cannabinoids that create the feeling of euphoria are concentrated.
Through the process of harvesting, this flower degrades, causing the buds to become brittle and break away.
Since the flower has the highest concentration of euphoric-producing glands, care must be taken in harvesting them. Terpenes evaporate the moment you harvest, but with careful processing practices, the compounds that produce the feeling of euphoria are not diminished.
Since terpenes can be easily lost during the extraction process, producers are employing more sensitive extraction methods. The result is a more potent product with more predictable effects.
Temperature also plays a major role in careful processing practices. However, the most important part in protecting the plant’s profile may be in the final packaging.
The right terpene bags are vital for maintaining the quality of your cannabis.
Other options include flash freezing, as in the case of live resin products. With this type of harvesting, the process maintains a freezing temperature throughout the extraction process.
This serves to protect the terpenes and other vital compounds in the cannabis plant.
How do terpene bags work?
Since the integrity of the terpenes is adversely affected by harvesting, the quick solution is a good terpene bag. Care should be taken in selecting the right bags from a quality provider with a history of experience in agriculture.
The experts at Polysprout have a variety of terpene bags available for your pot preservation problems.
A good terpene bag helps maintain moisture, which is essential to preserving the plant’s terpene levels. By minimizing the oxidation and evaporation of your plant’s properties, you can preserve the THC and CBD levels, which will also significantly increase its shelf life.
The Benefits of Polysprout Pot Packaging
Polysprout pot packaging for cannabis is designed to be high in strength, protecting the precious pot flower. They are puncture-resistant while still being pliable enough for easy storage.
They are proven to enhance shelf life and are designed to contain all odours. To preserve the quality of your product as a pot producer, Polysprout products provide the solutions to satisfy the new up-and-coming discerning pot purchaser.
Polysprout packaging exceeds quality standards with state-of-the-art equipment, which follows the latest ASTM standards of ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certification credentials.
With on-site research and development, and 24-hour quality assurance supervision, all Polysprout products are the best that the market has to offer.
With all this care and 20 years of experience, Polysprout is your trusted leader in agricultural packaging and growing products.
Speak to our team today to learn more about the products available to protect your high-value cannabis harvest.