Chemovars & Terpenes
Chemovars
Chemovars refer to different varieties or strains of a plant species that are distinguished by their unique chemical composition. In the context of cannabis, chemovars are also known as “strains” and are categorised based on their chemical profile, particularly the levels of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, and are responsible for their characteristic flavours and aromas. In cannabis, terpenes can also have a significant impact on the effects and therapeutic benefits of the plant.
Different chemovars of cannabis can have distinct terpene profiles, which can contribute to their specific effects. For example, the terpene myrcene is often found in higher concentrations in indica-dominant strains, which are known for their sedative and relaxing effects. On the other hand, limonene is often found in higher concentrations in sativa-dominant strains, which are known for their energising and uplifting effects.
Other common terpenes found in cannabis include pinene, which is known for its bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties, and linalool, which is known for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects.
In summary, chemovars are different varieties of cannabis distinguished by their chemical composition, and terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that can have significant impacts on the effects and therapeutic benefits of different chemovars.
Terpenes
Terpenes can be classified into four categories:
– Botanically-derived
– Cannabis derived
– Natural Terpenes
– Synthetic Terpenes
Botanically-derived terpenes are obtained from plants other than cannabis. For example, limonene can be extracted from lemons, while pinene can be extracted from pine needles. Botanically-derived terpenes are often used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and food flavourings.
Cannabis-derived terpenes are extracted from cannabis plants. They are often obtained through steam distillation or solvent extraction, and they can be added to cannabis products to enhance their aroma and flavour. Cannabis-derived terpenes can also contribute to the therapeutic effects of cannabis products, as they work in synergy with other cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Natural terpenes are derived from natural sources, such as plants or fruits. They can be either botanically-derived or cannabis-derived. Natural terpenes are often used in cannabis products to create specific flavours and aromas.
Synthetic Terpenes are artificially created in a lab. They are often used in food flavourings, perfumes, and other consumer products. Synthetic terpenes are less expensive to produce than natural or cannabis-derived terpenes, but they may not have the same therapeutic benefits as natural or cannabis-derived terpenes.
Organic terpenes are derived from organic sources and are produced without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides. Organic terpenes are often preferred by consumers who prioritise environmental sustainability and organic farming practices.
Terpenes can be blended to create custom terpene profiles that mimic the unique flavour and aroma of specific cannabis strains. These custom terpene profiles can then be added to a cannabis concentrate to enhance the flavour, aroma, and overall effects of the final product.
Once the individual terpenes are selected, they are blended together in precise ratios to create a terpene profile that mimics the flavour and aroma of a specific cannabis strain. For example, a custom terpene blend may be created to mimic the flavour and aroma of the popular cannabis strain “Blue Dream.”
The custom terpene blend is then added to the cannabis concentrate. This process involves carefully measuring the amount of terpenes to ensure that the final product has the desired flavour and aroma.
Terpenes work in synergy with cannabinoids like THC to produce a range of effects, including relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. By adding specific terpenes to THC distillate, the effects of the product can be tailored to meet the needs of individual consumers.
In summary, terpenes can be blended to create custom terpene profiles that mimic the flavour and aroma of specific cannabis strains. These custom terpene blends can then be added to organic, high-quality THC distillate to enhance the overall effects of the final product. The process of blending terpenes and THC distillate requires precise measurements and attention to detail to create a high-quality product.
| Terpene | Taste/Aroma | Effect | Common Sources |
| Myrcene | Musky, earthy, fruity | Sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic | Mango, hops, thyme, lemongrass |
| Limonene | Citrusy, lemony | Uplifting, mood-enhancing, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial | Lemon, orange, grapefruit, juniper, peppermint |
| Pinene | Pine, woodsy | Alertness, memory retention, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator | Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley |
| Linalool | Floral, lavender | Relaxing, anti-anxiety, anti-convulsant | Lavender, mint, cinnamon |
| Caryophyllene | Peppery, spicy | Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-anxiety | Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, basil |
| Terpinolene | Herbal, piney, floral | Sedative, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial | Sage, rosemary, apples |
| Humulene | Earthy, woody | Appetite suppressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial | Hops, coriander, cloves, basil |
| Ocimene | Sweet, herbal | Decongestant, anti-fungal, antibacterial | Mint, parsley, basil |
| Geraniol | Floral, rose-like | Relaxing, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant | Rose, geranium, lemongrass |
| Phytol | Mild, grassy | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective | Green tea, parsley, algae |
There are over 100 different terpenes found in cannabis, each with their own unique aroma, flavour, and potential health benefits. Here are some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, along with their effects and potential health benefits:
Myrcene: Myrcene is the most abundant terpene found in cannabis. It has a musky, earthy aroma and is known for its relaxing effects. Myrcene may have potential as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, and may also have sedative effects.
Limonene: Limonene has a citrusy aroma and is known for its uplifting and energising effects. It may have potential as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant agent, as well as anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects.
Pinene: Pinene has a piney aroma and is known for its energising and focus-enhancing effects. It may have potential as an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer agent.
Linalool:Linalool has a floral aroma and is known for its relaxing and calming effects. It may have potential as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant agent, as well as anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects.
Caryophyllene: Caryophyllene has a spicy, peppery aroma and is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects. It may also have potential as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant agent.
Humulene: Humulene has an earthy, woody aroma and is known for its anti-inflammatory and appetite suppressant effects. It may also have potential as an anti-bacterial and anti-cancer agent.
Terpinolene: Terpinolene has a floral and herbal aroma and is known for its sedative effects when mainly when combined with Linalool.
It may also have potential as an anti-cancer agent. Traditional terpinolene uses include natural antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial applications, and mild central nervous system depressant.
A-Pinene – A-Pinene has a fresh pine, earthy aroma ,and is known for its heightened focus and cerebral clarity effects.
It’s been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects, which could impact diseases like arthritis.
B-Pinene – Has a fresh pine and woody aroma and known for its gentle euphoric, creative inspiration, and full-body relaxation. B-Pinene has shown to have Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Neuroprotective Properties which could help against oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal damage
B-Caryophyllene- Has a sharp spicy cinnamon taste and sweet musky aroma, known for its cosy, relaxing, laid back effects.
Due to its unique ability to bind with CB2 receptors, Beta-caryophyllene has potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It is known to help relieve anxiety and pain, reduce cholesterol, prevent Osteoporosis, and treat seizures.
Humulene- Has a bitter hoppy taste with a spicy herbal subtle earthy aroma. It’s known for for its ‘couch lock’ mental and physical relaxing effects, anecdotal evidence suggests Humulene could offer relief from insomnia, depression, anxiety and digestive disorders. promotes appetite-suppressing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumour effects.
Nerolidol- Has the aroma of earthy fresh bark and known for its relaxing and sedative effects.
It’s also known for having sleep aid, antioxidant, anti-fungal, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-parasitic properties. anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving properties.
L-D-Limonene – Has an orange/lemon citrusy taste with a zesty aroma.
The therapeutic effects of limonene have been extensively studied, proving anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperalgesic, antiviral, and gastroprotective effects, among other beneficial effects in health.
Bisabolol – Has a fresh floral aroma and known for its calming and euphoric effects. Bisabolol is know to stimulate gastrointestinal tract receptors, thus causing smooth muscle relaxation. Apigenin acts on benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system, with anxiolytic effects similar to those of diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) but without the sedative effects.
Hashishene has a spicy, woody, and earthy aroma and may have potential therapeutic properties. While research on hashishene is limited, some studies suggest that it may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-tumour properties. It may also have sedative effects, which could contribute to the relaxing effects of hashish.
These are just a few of the many terpenes found in cannabis, and research on their potential health benefits is ongoing. It’s important to note that terpenes work in conjunction with other compounds found in cannabis, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and the effects of terpenes may vary depending on the individual and the specific cannabis strain.