Terpenes are the naturally occurring volatile aromatic compounds that give cannabis strains their unique flavour, aroma and effects. Through the proposed mechanism of the entourage effect, terpenes modulate the effects of THC on the CB1 receptor by interacting with the binding affinity between compound and receptor. The end result is a variety of different therapeutic effects for the user. Through an understanding of terpenes and their interaction with the body, we are able to intuit potential medical applications of these therapeutic effects. Of course, as with all fields, further study is needed for conclusive results to be attained.

Terpenes in fact occur naturally in most plants giving them their unique flavour and aroma. Likewise, many of the carts you purchase use botanically derived terpenes from other plants, as they exist in higher concentrations and the starting material is generally cheaper. Most notoriously, black pepper is known to contain high concentrations of caryophyllene, and ripe mangoes a high concentration of myrcene. From an objective point of view, these are chemically identical to those naturally occurring in cannabis but often-times make for a worse subjective experience for the end user than naturally derived terpenes from full spectrum extraction of the cannabis plant. Unfortunately this is still a mystery to science, but my gut feeling is that we are getting the blends wrong.

Terpenes are incredibly volatile, and will degrade when exposed to air, and excessive temperatures. Extraction methods for concentrates need to be highly sensitive to preserve as much of this natural goodness as possible. Many recommend the bodeva pack – correct moisture levels are fantastic for retaining terpenes, but I often find these remove some terpene content from the flower. Newer technologies like the grove bag promise to maintain the correct humidity level whilst avoiding this problem, but from experience, trichomes are sometimes attracted to the side of these bags through static. A nice curing jar is the best way to keep things as nature intended. Make sure to keep it away from sunlight, or purchase a UV proof jar.

Next week, I will be doing an interview depth analysis of the research on a particular terpenes, if anyone would like to suggest one, let me know.

All the best, Fin

https://littlebiggy.net/link/DYIrIs

Strawberry diesel/strawberry sour diesel/Strawberry haze. Many moons ago, I used to buy this from someone, but moved cities. To be honest, I cannot remember exactly what the strain was called.

When you opened the bag, it smelt like fresh strawberries. Tried the arjan's strawberry haze from TGT, and it wasn't it sadly. Anybody know this strain or if anybody has some?