Terpenes (German Terpen from "das Terpentin", turpentine) are a class of hydrocarbons produced by many plants, especially conifers. They are major components of resin and turpentine, produced from resin. They are extracted, for example, in the form of essential oils for the perfume industry.
Thanks to advances in hemp plant research, more and more of the plant's active ingredients are being discovered.
Several studies have shown that, for the same dose of cannabinoids, the effects produced by the administration of pure cannabinoids are different from those produced by the administration of complete plant extracts.
It can therefore be deduced that the hemp plant contains other active ingredients that act synergistically with cannabinoids.
The combination of various cannabinoids, terpenes and terpenoids gives rise to various interactions and synergies, a phenomenon known as the " entourage effect ". So, like a fine wine, hemp flowers can give off different layers of aroma. There are over a hundred terpenes, so hemp's aromatic possibilities areendless.
Terpenes are found in the resinthe oozing liquid secreted by the glands(trichomes) on the surface of hemp leaves. It is thanks to these terpenes that different plant varieties have their own characteristic scents, which vary according to the presence and combination of different terpenes.
Macro Photography of trichomes
Terpenes also protect the hemp plant from heat and insects, thanks to the viscosity of its resin.
Among the terpenes present in the hemp plant, the majority are monoterpenes: Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Linalol and Eucalyptol. Among the sesquiterpenes, present in all hemp varieties, we find Caryophyllene.
Warning: some growers may add terpenes to artificially enhance the aroma of their hemp flowers.
Sources: Photo by Next Green Wave on Unsplash, Photo by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash
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