Terpenes? The Who’s, What’s, and Why’s of Terps

Here at GreenLife, we talk a lot about cannabinoids – the compounds in hemp that make the plant one-of-a-kind, working through the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate all kinds of crucial processes that affect how we feel each day.  But, alongside the cannabinoids that radiate in hemp’s flowering buds, you’ll also find hundreds of terpenes, and these compounds are also critical to the value of the plant as a whole.  Terps should never be overlooked, as once you understand what they’re capable of, you can better reach your goals through your hemp routine.

What are Terpenes, and What Do They Do?

While cannabinoids are unique to the cannabis genus, terpenes are compounds that are present in all plant life.  They give plants their flavor and aroma qualities, which is why lavender has a calming scent, and why oregano adds a savory touch to a slice of pizza.  It’s the terpenes in hemp that are responsible for the smell and taste of the plant, but these compounds are doing a lot more than just that.  Terpenes each offer valuable therapeutic properties of their own that combine with those of cannabinoids to give hemp its full spectrum of potential benefits.

Take linalool, for example.  Linalool happens to be the key terpene in the lavender plant, explaining the plant’s unique anxiolytic properties that make it a common home remedy.  Hemp also contains linalool in varying amounts depending on the strain (more on that later), and this linalool contributes to the more soothing, mellowing properties of the plant, working along with cannabinoids like CBD to put us at ease.  Linalool is just one of an incredible number of terpenes that make up the plant’s chemical composition, and contribute to all that it can offer when we consume it.

What Types of Hemp Products Contain Terps?

Now that you understand the innate value of terpenes, it’s important to point out that not every hemp product actually contains them.  So, what does?

• Full Spectrum Hemp Products: Full spectrum hemp products contain an extract that maintains the full chemical composition of the hemp plant as it exists in nature, and so it has every terpene that is found in the plant.
• Broad Spectrum Hemp Products: Broad spectrum hemp products are exactly like full spectrum, but with the THC content fully removed.
• Terpene-Infused Products: Some isolate products have certain terpenes added to them, and will be specified as such.
• Raw Flower: Raw flower is the plant in its natural form, and so it contains every terpene present in hemp.
• Most Concentrates: Most types of concentrates, like wax, shatter and hash, contain the complete chemical composition of hemp, including every terpene. Pure distillates do not, as they only contain a concentrated form of a cannabinoid.

Terpenes and Strains: What You Need to Know

Hemp comes in many unique cultivars, and each cultivar has its own specific terpene profile.  Another term for the cultivar is the strain.  Because each strain has a distinctive terpene configuration, each strain has specific dominant effects, not to mention its own unique flavor and aroma profile, which is why some strains taste like lemons, some like spices, some like chocolate and so on.

There are three types of strains, determined by their most dominant terpenes:

• Indica: Indica strains yield high levels of a terpene called myrcene, known as an anxiolytic. Indica strains are more soothing and offer a stronger body high, making them popular at nighttime.
• Sativa: Sativa strains are more popular for daytime, since they can offer uplifting, motivating effects and usually don’t have a powerful body high.
• Hybrid: Hybrid strains are a cross between a sativa and an indica, made through cross-breeding methods. You can find 50/50 hybrids, indica-dominant hybrids and sativa-dominant hybrids.

Enjoy the Terpene-Rich Products at GreenLife Remedies

GreenLife Remedies fully recognizes the unique potential benefits of each component of the hemp plant, which is why we carry many products that contain a large variety of naturally occurring terpenes.  This means that you can find plenty of terpene-rich products in different strains to get everything you want out of these impressive compounds, alongside your favorite cannabinoids like CBD, delta 8, delta 10 and more.