BIG ED the Budtender
C.C. RELEAF’S Lead Budtender
One of the things that you will hear about once you start to study Marijuana is Terpenes or Terps.
Terpenes are a group of fragrant essential oils – secreted alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD – that contribute to the complex aroma of cannabis. They are also generally responsible for many of the distinguishing characteristics of different strains, and this discovery has led to a sharp increase in interest among researchers, producers, and consumers alike.
Though cannabis contains up to 200 different Terpenes, there are about 10 primary Terpenes that occur in significant concentrations. I would like to introduce you to three of those primary and secondary Terpenes: Humulene, Caryophyllene, and Trans-nerolidol.
Humulene naturally occurs in clove, basil, hops, and cannabis sativa. It carries a subtle earthy, woody aroma with spicy herbal notes you might recognize in some of your favorite strains. Though cannabis is commonly associated with appetite simulation, humulene is actually known to suppress hunger. Humulene’s other potential effects include: Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-tumor, and Pharmacokinetic.
Some strains that are known to test high in humulene include White Widow, Girl Scout Cookies Headband, Pink Kush, Sour Diesel, and Skywalker OG.
Caryophyllene (or β-Caryophyllene) is a spicy, peppery terpene found in many different edible plants. Spices like black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, as well as herbs like oregano, basil, hops, and rosemary, are known to exhibit high concentrations of caryophyllene. Due to its affinity to the peripheral CB2 receptors, caryophyllene often appears in anti-inflammatory topicals and salves. Caryophyllene has the following potential medical benefits: Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic, Alcohol craving reduction, Anti-cancer, Anti-anxiety and Antidepressant.
Strains known to exhibit heightened levels of caryophyllene include OG Kush, Bubba Kush, Chemdawg, Rockstar, Skywalker OG, and Sour Diesel, which are also shown to be high in this Terpene.
Trans-nerolidol is a secondary Terpene found in many strong aromatics like jasmine, tea tree, and lemongrass. As such, it delivers a subdued and nuanced floral aroma with notes of fruity citrus, apples, and rose. This Terpene is believed to produce sedating effects, and is being investigated for the following medical benefits: Inhibits growth of Leishmaniasis, Antiparasitic, Antifungal, Antimicrobial.
As its name suggests, Geraniol (also known as Lemonol) is most famous for its presence in geraniums, where it helps shape the blossoms’ distinctive, delicate scent. It is also found in a wide range of plants including tobacco and lemons, and interestingly, is produced by honey bees as a means of marking their hives and flowers. Geraniol is a monoterpene alcohol that boils at about 447˚F and frequently occurs in strains that also produce Linalool. Its floral, occasionally fruity aromas and flavors remind many of citronella candles or rose gardens, and occasionally of passionfruit or stone fruits such as peaches and plums. It is used frequently as a fruity flavoring agent and shows up in an array of bath and body products. Geraniol, like Valencene, is known to repel mosquitos.
Potential medical benefits attributed to geraniol include: Antioxidant, Anti-tumor, Neuroprotectant, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-viral, Anti-spasmodic.
A few strains said to test high in Geraniol include Lavender, Amnesia Haze, and Great White Shark, Afghani, Headband, Island Sweet Skunk, OG Shark and Master Kush are currently testing highest in Geraniol.
Hopefully this sheds some light on how you view your Marijuana and can help you make a more informed decision when deciding how to properly medicate yourself. There are many different kinds of terpenes that can help with many different problems and issues that are just now being researched by scientists. If you have any questions, just ask your budtender! Otherwise, come and see me at C.C. Releaf and ask for Big Ed the Budtender!
