Concentrates and Terpenes

By now if you have purchased and product from us here at Gods Own Concentrates, you have heard the term TERPENES. Yes, we go on and on about terpenes and why we are a one of few craft cannabis producers that employ terpenes in our concentrates. So, it goes without saying: just what are terpenes and why do we value them so much.

Simply put Terpenes engage with the endocannabinoid system much like cannabinoids.  They can also affect neurotransmissions to the brain. Understanding this provides an explanation of why there is such a variance between strains of cannabis. Every different combination of terpenes in a strain will greatly affect the aroma, taste and ultimately the high as well as effecting the mood and sensation (head high or body high) that each strain delivers.

Over one hundred known terpenes are present in cannabis and they are not only found in cannabis. Which explains why strains have unique properties and why some strains share similar attributes.

If you look at any of our Gods Own Concentrates products you will notice that our shatter, is strain specific, meaning that if the flavour is say “Blue Dream”, then that is the strain of flowers used to make that shatter and it is only isolated Blue Dream terpernes that have been used to enhance experience and enjoyment.

Because at GOC we can distill our own terpenes during production, we have the exclusive ability to enhance our concentrates in a manner most producers cannot. Any cannabis or concentrate producers will tell you there is a huge difference between cannabis sourced terpenes and terpene flavouring. At GOC we only use cannabis sourced terpenes!

We have taken the time to list some terpenes to give you a better understanding of their makeup and effect.

We came across this video on Leafly which has some great info on terpenes. Have a look and let us know what you think.

Myrcene is the most common terpene in marijuana strains (up to 60% of the essential oils of certain varieties) however, it is not found in hemp textiles. It is also found in large quantities in hops or in the West Indian wood (Saint Thomas Bay). Its smell is very much like that of cloves. Myrcene is a potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. It blocks the action of cytochrome, aflatoxin B, and other pro-mutagenic carcinogens. It also has a relaxing, calming, anti-spasmodic and sedative effect. Acting in synergy with THC, myrcene increases its psychoactive potential.

Limonene is often the second, third or fourth terpene found in cannabis resin. This family of terpenes produces the typical smell we all recognize as citrus. Limonene has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and is also anticarcinogenic. It prevents the deterioration of the RAS gene, one of the factors that contribute to the development of tumors. It also protects against Aspergillus and carcinogens present in smoke. Limonene quickly and easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier, which increases systolic pressure. During testing on the effects of limonene, participants experienced an increase in attention, mental focus, well-being and even sex drive. Limonene is used sometimes in spray form, to treat depression and anxiety. It also has the effect of reducing the unpleasantness of gastric acid and stimulates the immune system. Plants use limonenes to ward off predators; for example, it repels flies like any insecticide.

Caryophyllene can be found in various herbs and spices, particularly in black pepper, which contributes to the spicy flavour. It is a local anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and one of the active ingredients of the clove (Giroflé). It is an efficient remedy to relieve toothache. It also has anti-fungal properties. This terpene has the particularity of selectively activate the cannabinoid 2 receptors (CB2), while it is not a cannabinoid. This discovery opens the door to many possibilities in medicinal research.

Pinene is responsible for the familiar smell associated with pine and fir trees, and to be more precise, its resin. It is the main ingredient of the essence of turpentine. It is present also in many plants such as Sage or Rosemary. Pinene is used in medicine as an expectorant, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory and local antiseptic. It also crosses the hematoma encephalic barrier very easily, where it acts as an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, preventing the destruction of molecules responsible for the transmission of information, which results in memory improvement. It is largely due to the presence of pinenes that Rosemary and Sage have been beneficial plants during thousands of years of traditional medicine. This terpene , in part, counteract the effects of THC, which leads to a decrease in the acetylcholine levels. The result is that the memory fails more with pure THC than with THC mixed with pinene. Skunk strains are, for example, recognized for their high levels of pinenes. Because this produces a bronco dilator effect, the smoke of plants rich in pinene give the sensation of sucking more air, which can cause hyperventilation or sometimes cough. Pinene also improves concentration, personal satisfaction and energy, but it may be limited by the effects of the terpinol.

Terpineol smells of lilac, crabapple blossoms and lime blossoms. During tests on mice, their mobility was reduced to 45%. This explains the sedative effect of some marijuana strains. Terpineol is often found in strains that have a high level of pinenes, the aromas of which can hide the smell of terpineol.

Borneol has aroma of mint and camphor. It is used in Chinese medicine against fatigue, stress, or to recover from illness. The Super Silver Haze Marijuana strain from Sensei seeds is known for its camphor aromas, and its effect is both relaxing and psychedelic. Hence, we can suppose that it contains a good amount of borneol.

Linalool has a floral smell like lavender and spring flowers. Humans can smell it at very low levels, from 1 PPM in air. Linalool is currently used in the treatment of various cancers. It also has a powerful calming action, anti-anxiety, and produces a sedative effect. In tests on mice it was discovered that their activity decreased by 75%. Linalool is thus partly responsible for the sedative effects of certain marijuana strains. It also has analgesic and anti-epileptic properties.

Eucalyptol (also called 1,8-cineol) is the main ingredient of eucalyptus essential oil. It has the characteristic minty smell of this tree and is also found in small amounts in marijuana. Its effects relieve pain and improve concentration and inner balance. Plants containing eucalyptol enhance meditation and concentration.

Nerolidol, with woody and fresh bark aromas, can be found in ginger, niaouli and citronella. It has anti-fungal, anti-leishmaniasis and anti-malarial properties. It also produces a sedative effect.