Harvest & Curing Quick poll regarding dry and cure
- Thread starter Aku
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I've found that when I slow dry, and I do mean SLOW dry (talking about 2 weeks to a month). The smell will stay with it. When the winter comes and my humidity is low the buds dry in less than a week, usually thats when I get the hay smell. The smell will sometimes come back if left to cure for a good bit, but if over dried it does not.
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as a rough rule the smell is there when ya cut it.it lessens(almost being masked really) but doesnt really disappear ,but after the gasses n all that stuff go away the bud will start to smell mildly again generally and then once its jarred it'll sweeten up and smell all awesome all over again.well thats what It does for me anywho.LOL!
97 some views and 8 folks took the 2 seconds to click an answer. Now I know there are more than 8 folks that saw this that have their own answer to this question. There is no wrong answer! Just looking for a majority and right now its split 4-4. C'mon people!
Aku I never have cured or dried any herb...yet but I am working on that.
I brown paper bag it. Cut all my limbs off, trim buds off of all branches, trim buds to about how I want them when ready to smoke. Doing this takes a while, but I've tried hanging limbs with buds still on them and I've tried the paper bag and this, IME gives me better end product. Either way, will start to smell like grass/hay, the next day, but it seems to go away sooner with the paper bags. In my personal experience, it has always gone away and went back to smelling like weed. Usually, the smell is back to normal before I jar and just gets better.
I keep em in paper bags until dry, which can be anywhere from 4 days to a couple of weeks depending on the weather around here. Then I jar them and burp for a day or two, then I usually return em to the bags for a couple of days, then back to jars for good.
Of course, there are always contingencies, but this is my method. Hope it helps, or is at least what you're looking for.
I keep em in paper bags until dry, which can be anywhere from 4 days to a couple of weeks depending on the weather around here. Then I jar them and burp for a day or two, then I usually return em to the bags for a couple of days, then back to jars for good.
Of course, there are always contingencies, but this is my method. Hope it helps, or is at least what you're looking for.
My first ever grow was Lowryder 2, which dried very hay-smelling. I think what it is, is that it was over-dried. Once that happens, you can't go back.
If yours is drying too fast, I'd say take it off the line sooner than you have been, then dry it in jars with the lid open. As long as it's below 70 humidity in the jars, it shouldn't mold. Put the lids on to check humidity once per day, and it should drop from 70 to 60 in a few weeks. Plus, buds get tighter and tighter as they dry. Smell stays perfect and strong, with no hay smell.
I've dried all of my grows in a dry box, and only my first with lowryder 2 had that hay smell. The rest smell great. I jarred the lowryder since 2013, and it smells like it should now. Not sure when that smell got better, but it seems it took about a year, since it was so hay-smelling from overdrying. I should use it up, as it's getting old.
If yours is drying too fast, I'd say take it off the line sooner than you have been, then dry it in jars with the lid open. As long as it's below 70 humidity in the jars, it shouldn't mold. Put the lids on to check humidity once per day, and it should drop from 70 to 60 in a few weeks. Plus, buds get tighter and tighter as they dry. Smell stays perfect and strong, with no hay smell.
I've dried all of my grows in a dry box, and only my first with lowryder 2 had that hay smell. The rest smell great. I jarred the lowryder since 2013, and it smells like it should now. Not sure when that smell got better, but it seems it took about a year, since it was so hay-smelling from overdrying. I should use it up, as it's getting old.
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I dry mine in a box in the grow room , takes about 6 days and works fine for me . Then into jars with a boveda 62 and find it smells better with age .
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You will find in most journals their is a high number of views and not so many posts or clicks of a poll.
There may be any number of people who think you thread title is interesting ans want to know the answer too.
There will be lurkers and and new members who are new to growing who have no idea which way to vote because they don't have the experience or knowledge to answer.
Frustrating yes but better not to vote than give a useless answer.
Terpene profile, how it was grown and method of dry/cure will affect the smell of your cured bud.
You will get a better terpene profile with slow dried buds which helps break down Chlorophyll, pigments and residual salts, faster drying will give your that hay smell and very fast dried bud will be harsh and have a minty taste from the chlorophyll.
Here is a Nice article which explains it better than I can.
Before Harvest
Watering is important when plants are flowering. Continue regular irrigation as needed. Make sure to check the soil moisture daily to avoid overwatering. Always irrigate in the morning so that the majority of water is used during the day. Soggy roots at night will slow growth substantially.
Do not water for one or two days before harvest. The soil should be fairly dry, but not dry enough that plants wilt. This will speed drying time by a day or more and not affect the quality of cannabinoids and terpenes.
The fragrance of flowering medicinal cannabis is often pungent before, during, and after harvest. If air in and around drying and manicuring room is stagnant, odors linger and accumulate. To help control fragrance keep drying and manicuring rooms well-vented. If possible, allow plenty of fresh circulating air to pass through the drying room to remove fragrances quickly. Keep temperatures below 21° C to minimize aroma.
Loss of Fragrance
“Terpenes, or terpenoids, are the compounds in cannabis that give the plant its unique fragrance. THC and the other cannabinoids have no odor, so marijuana’s compelling fragrance depends on which terpenes predominate. It’s the combination of terpenoids and THC that endows each strain with a specific psychoactive flavor.” Martin Lee
The aroma, taste and ultimately effects of smoked cannabis depend upon the mix of terpenes and cannabinoids. Often cannabinoids and terpenes volatize and are destroyed during flowering harvest and storage as a result of high temperatures and maltreatment. The absence of these compounds diminishes bouquet and taste. It can also affect the overall effect of the cannabis.
Cannabis plants lose their fragrance for a combination of reasons, all of which involve destruction of terpenes or the creation of a poor environment for terpenes to develop. During flowering plants that are subjected to heavy weather including wind, rain and hot sunlight or artificial light, are often less fragrant. Outdoor plants also accumulate surface dust, bacteria and other bad stuff. When allowed to remain on the plant these pollutants can smell and possibly speed cannabinoid and terpene degradation. Often indoor environments are more polluted than the great outdoors. Such pollutants could also play a role in diminishing fragrance.
Terpenes and cannabinoids evaporate into the air in a wide range of temperatures, 119-435º C. As temperatures climb, more and more terpenes evaporate into the air. Terpenes can also be destroyed with high temperatures, humid weather, wind, rain, fondling and rough handling. The terpinoids may also not have a chance to develop properly on plants that grow under stressful conditions including climate, care and disease and pest attacks.
Plenty of air circulation and ventilation is necessary to promote manicured flower buds to dry. The buds in these net trays are turned once or twice a day by hand so they dry evenly.
Drying cannabis can lose its fragrance when it dries too hot and fast. Fast drying does not allow enough time for chlorophyll and other pollutants to dissipate, and they remain in the foliage. The lingering smell and taste of these undesirable elements impart detectable odors and tastes when consumed.
When poorly dried and it stays too wet, as if in a compost pile, cannabis starts anaerobic decomposition. This process causes cannabis to smell like wet hay and extreme cases have an ammonia-like odor.
Plants could harbor powdery mildew or another disease within their tissue. This disease is impossible to detect without laboratory analysis. Such diseases weaken plants and could also play a part in the deterioration of fragrance.
Hanging complete branches is a great way to dry flower buds of medical cannabis. These branches have just been harvested. The large leaves have been removed and the buds trimmed lightly.
Bacteria, dead microscopic pests and their feces, dust and many other pollutants remain on the surface of cannabis foliage at harvest. These elements could also affect fragrance. Washing harvested cannabis with a dilute bath of H2O2 will remove and disinfect plants. Clean plants smell “fresh.” The fragrance of cannabis is all that remains.
Genetically, some plants appear to be predisposed to less aroma and loosing fragrance over time. In combination with climatic conditions, genetics could play a role in minimizing cannabis fragrance.
Negative ion generators act within a small area and have virtually no impact on the fragrance of growing cannabis. Ozone generators introduce the free radicle ozone (O3) into an enclosed area. The O3 converts to O2 within a few minutes. Carbon filters remove fragrances before air is expelled outdoors.
Ozone Generators should be located outside of the room.
The fragrance of cannabis can also be controlled by sealing the drying and manicuring rooms. Set up a fan and carbon filter in the room to remove fragrances before venting the air out of the room.
Leach soil heavily 5-7 days before harvest. Leaching soil will wash out any fertilizer salts that have accumulated in the soil. This allows the plant to use the balance of the nutrients in its system before harvest.
Avoid the taste of chemical and organic fertilizers in harvested buds by leaching with plain water or a clearing solution to remove any residuals and chemicals that have built up in soil or plant foliage. Five to six days before harvesting, leach the growing medium with clean tap water or reverse osmosis water. Use a clearing solution such as Final Flush® to remove any built-up nutrients in soil.
Some indoor gardeners fertilize with a liquid salt-based fertilizer up until 2-3 days before harvest and use a clearing solution to remove fertilizer residues. They say the practice helps plants retain weight in flower buds. But it does not make buds grow any faster and fertilizer residues are still present in plant tissue. The tradeoff is fertilizer adding weight at the expense of medicinal quality.
This big healthy crop of Blue Dream is ready for harvest.
Apply the leaching solution as per directions. Always let at least ten percent, preferably more, drain out the bottom of containers. If using a re-circulating hydroponic system, change the water after the first four to six days of application. Continue to top off the reservoir with “clean” fresh water.
How to tell when fertilizer “could” affect taste
1. Leaf tips and margins are burned
2. Leaves are brittle at harvest
3. Flower buds smell like chemicals
4. Flower buds crackle when burning
5. Buds taste like fertilizer
Do not water for one or two days before harvest. The soil should be fairly dry, but not dry enough that plants wilt. This will speed drying time by a day or more and not affect the quality of cannabinoids.
A green light or a UVB lamp makes pest trails and diseases impossible to miss!
Inspect plants at night with a green light or a UVB light. Powdery mildew and insect feces and trails are visible; they actually jump out at you as if you were reading an eye chart in the optometrist’s chair. Carefully remove all signs of powdery mildew before it enters plant tissue. Spray fungus with an organic fungistat before removing it to ensure it does not contaminate the rest of the crop. This method works only when there is very little mildew.
Some gardeners keep plants in 24-48 hours of darkness before harvesting. They say this practice causes buds to become more resinous.
copied and pasted from - http://www.cannabis.info/gb/abc/10001398-before-harvest
I have recently purchased the "Cannabis Encyclopedia" by Jorge Cervates
Jorge describes his way of Air Curing so I thought I would share it with you.
Dry you crop slowly, in arid conditions use the box with holes in it or the paper bag method. In humid conditions hang in your grow space or drying cabinet with a fan on slow not directly pointing at your buds but allowing for some air movement.
Small electronic or mechanical humidistats can be put in curing jars to monitor humidity which will be ideally 62% RH.
If the RH drop below this then Boveda 62 humidipaks can be placed in the jars to regulate the RH.
Jorge's Air Curing Method : Step-by-Step
Hand copied from the "Cannabis Encyclopedia" by Jorge Cervantes. Well worth buying this book it only cost me £23 which is an absolute bargain.
Whilst we are talking about the smell of cannabis and terpenes I though I would add this article.
Terpenes May Improve Effectiveness Of Medical Marijuana
Terpenes Influence The Synergy Effect Of Cannabis
As we know, science has identified and characterized the molecular structure of around 20,000 terpenes, which makes it the largest category of plant chemicals. These aromatic compounds are found in the essential oils of plants and flowers, and plenty of studies have been done on their effects.
Of the 20,000 identified terpenes, there have been more than 120 found in cannabis. Only a few of them appear in high concentrations, but they have been found to have a number of benefits. A few of these effects are covered in our terpenoid article, but recent research has suggested an “entourage effect” as well. In his 2011 study “Taming THC,” Ethan Russo, from GW Pharmaceuticals, discussed the interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids.
Terpenes May Reduce THC-Induced Anxiety
“Citrus fruits (high in limonene) were used as a ‘cannabis antidote’ in 10th century Persia.”
For years, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was the only cannabinoid investigated for its medicinal value, and we know it has the potential to cause anxiety in some patients. However, certain terpenes in cannabis, like Linalool, have been found to counter the anxiety.
In fact, Russo points out that terpenes likely played a role in a number of ancient antidotes for the less desirable effects of THC. For instance, citrus fruits (high in limonene) were used as a “cannabis antidote” in 10th century Persia. Other ancient antidotes include calamus plant roots and pine nuts (high in pinene), as well as black pepper (high in caryophyllene and myrcene).
Terpenes And Cannabinoids Can Work Together
Terpenoids can be used for more than countering THC-induced anxiety. Russo discussed interactions to treat a number of issues including: pain, inflammation, depression, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, and infections.
Russo believes pinene would be useful in the treatment of MRSA. Cannabigerol (CBG) is a potent MRSA inhibitor, and can be found with small amounts of THC. Because of this Russo suggests a whole-plant extract, high in CBG and pinene, which was found to have its own anti-MRSA qualities in 2010.
“Combining terpenoids with a CBD-rich extract may help treat the wide-ranging effects of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Terpenes could also aid in Alzheimer’s treatment with cannabidiol (CBD). Linalool, which is prominent in lavender, helps counter stress and anxiety. Limonene is commonly used in aromatherapy to improve mood, and pinene is known to promote alertness and memory retention. Combining these terpenoids with a CBD-rich extract may help treat the wide-ranging effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Another interaction that Russo highlighted could have benefits for addiction treatment. An essential oil made from black pepper reduced nicotine cravings in cigarette smokers. Interestingly enough, black pepper essential oils are high in myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, all of which can be found in cannabis.
Caryophyllene is interesting because it directly stimulates the CB2 receptors throughout the body. As we know, CB2 agonists prevent the release of dopamine, which is related to addiction. This, in combination with the use of CBD for opiate withdrawal, suggests that cannabis with caryophyllene could have a variety of rehabilitative benefits.
“K”, like multiple growers on online forums, believes that a number of variables (lighting, soil composition, nutrients, etc.) can influence terpene production. If growers are able to influence the production of specific terpenes, they could improve their product’s effectiveness.
Terpenes Can Improve Medical Marijuana, Infused Products
It’s been reported that certain terpenes dilate capillaries in the lungs. Logic tells us that this would be useful in the case of smoked or vaporized cannabis. Dilated capillaries would enable beneficial cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream easier. This certainly could be useful for growers who know how their crops will be ingested, and in the production of cannabis concentrates.
In fact, a number of concentrate makers enhance their finished product with pure terpenes. This is typically done for added flavor, as the more volatile terpenes can be lost during the extraction process. However, infusing concentrates with a specific terpene for added effect would be equally beneficial. For instance, pinene is a bronchodilator, which could benefit asthma patients.
In fact, similar processes already exist. According to Jeff Raber, founder of The Werc Shop, a lab-testing facility in Los Angeles, they are able to infuse concentrates with the terpenes lost. “Based on the terpene-profile of each strain,” he added, “we can recreate as much of the whole plant component as possible.”
One step further, K believes terpene-rich extracts could play a major role in the future of medical marijuana. He points out that some patients might want the terpene-related flavor and relief, without the high from THC.
Another potential application of terpenes could benefit users of medicated topicals. Nerolidol, a sedative terpene, is a known skin penetrant. Therefore, it could aid in cannabinoid absorption if infused in topicals.
The benefits of terpenes are widely recognized, but they just now are being explored by experts in the cannabis industry. As Ethan Russo pointed out, terpenes may influence a number of cannabis’ benefits. Their interaction with cannabinoids often impacts the effectiveness of medical marijuana strains and products, and could be used to facilitate a better overall experience.
I found a paper (Ross, S.A.; ElSohly, M.A. J. Nat. Prod. 1996, 59: 49-51) that notes the % of essential oils (terpenes) in fresh cannabis flowers to be .29 %. The major components of that essential oil fraction are myrcene (67%) and limonene (16%). That works out to 1.9 mg of myrcene and .46 mg of limonene per 1.0 g of fresh cannabis flowers.
Copied and pasted from - https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=275717
I know this is a hefty read but it contains some great info
peace
Arty
There may be any number of people who think you thread title is interesting ans want to know the answer too.
There will be lurkers and and new members who are new to growing who have no idea which way to vote because they don't have the experience or knowledge to answer.
Frustrating yes but better not to vote than give a useless answer.
Terpene profile, how it was grown and method of dry/cure will affect the smell of your cured bud.
You will get a better terpene profile with slow dried buds which helps break down Chlorophyll, pigments and residual salts, faster drying will give your that hay smell and very fast dried bud will be harsh and have a minty taste from the chlorophyll.
Here is a Nice article which explains it better than I can.
Before Harvest
Watering is important when plants are flowering. Continue regular irrigation as needed. Make sure to check the soil moisture daily to avoid overwatering. Always irrigate in the morning so that the majority of water is used during the day. Soggy roots at night will slow growth substantially.
Do not water for one or two days before harvest. The soil should be fairly dry, but not dry enough that plants wilt. This will speed drying time by a day or more and not affect the quality of cannabinoids and terpenes.
The fragrance of flowering medicinal cannabis is often pungent before, during, and after harvest. If air in and around drying and manicuring room is stagnant, odors linger and accumulate. To help control fragrance keep drying and manicuring rooms well-vented. If possible, allow plenty of fresh circulating air to pass through the drying room to remove fragrances quickly. Keep temperatures below 21° C to minimize aroma.
Loss of Fragrance
“Terpenes, or terpenoids, are the compounds in cannabis that give the plant its unique fragrance. THC and the other cannabinoids have no odor, so marijuana’s compelling fragrance depends on which terpenes predominate. It’s the combination of terpenoids and THC that endows each strain with a specific psychoactive flavor.” Martin Lee
The aroma, taste and ultimately effects of smoked cannabis depend upon the mix of terpenes and cannabinoids. Often cannabinoids and terpenes volatize and are destroyed during flowering harvest and storage as a result of high temperatures and maltreatment. The absence of these compounds diminishes bouquet and taste. It can also affect the overall effect of the cannabis.
Cannabis plants lose their fragrance for a combination of reasons, all of which involve destruction of terpenes or the creation of a poor environment for terpenes to develop. During flowering plants that are subjected to heavy weather including wind, rain and hot sunlight or artificial light, are often less fragrant. Outdoor plants also accumulate surface dust, bacteria and other bad stuff. When allowed to remain on the plant these pollutants can smell and possibly speed cannabinoid and terpene degradation. Often indoor environments are more polluted than the great outdoors. Such pollutants could also play a role in diminishing fragrance.
Terpenes and cannabinoids evaporate into the air in a wide range of temperatures, 119-435º C. As temperatures climb, more and more terpenes evaporate into the air. Terpenes can also be destroyed with high temperatures, humid weather, wind, rain, fondling and rough handling. The terpinoids may also not have a chance to develop properly on plants that grow under stressful conditions including climate, care and disease and pest attacks.
Plenty of air circulation and ventilation is necessary to promote manicured flower buds to dry. The buds in these net trays are turned once or twice a day by hand so they dry evenly.
Drying cannabis can lose its fragrance when it dries too hot and fast. Fast drying does not allow enough time for chlorophyll and other pollutants to dissipate, and they remain in the foliage. The lingering smell and taste of these undesirable elements impart detectable odors and tastes when consumed.
When poorly dried and it stays too wet, as if in a compost pile, cannabis starts anaerobic decomposition. This process causes cannabis to smell like wet hay and extreme cases have an ammonia-like odor.
Plants could harbor powdery mildew or another disease within their tissue. This disease is impossible to detect without laboratory analysis. Such diseases weaken plants and could also play a part in the deterioration of fragrance.
Hanging complete branches is a great way to dry flower buds of medical cannabis. These branches have just been harvested. The large leaves have been removed and the buds trimmed lightly.
Bacteria, dead microscopic pests and their feces, dust and many other pollutants remain on the surface of cannabis foliage at harvest. These elements could also affect fragrance. Washing harvested cannabis with a dilute bath of H2O2 will remove and disinfect plants. Clean plants smell “fresh.” The fragrance of cannabis is all that remains.
Genetically, some plants appear to be predisposed to less aroma and loosing fragrance over time. In combination with climatic conditions, genetics could play a role in minimizing cannabis fragrance.
Negative ion generators act within a small area and have virtually no impact on the fragrance of growing cannabis. Ozone generators introduce the free radicle ozone (O3) into an enclosed area. The O3 converts to O2 within a few minutes. Carbon filters remove fragrances before air is expelled outdoors.
Ozone Generators should be located outside of the room.
The fragrance of cannabis can also be controlled by sealing the drying and manicuring rooms. Set up a fan and carbon filter in the room to remove fragrances before venting the air out of the room.
Leach soil heavily 5-7 days before harvest. Leaching soil will wash out any fertilizer salts that have accumulated in the soil. This allows the plant to use the balance of the nutrients in its system before harvest.
Avoid the taste of chemical and organic fertilizers in harvested buds by leaching with plain water or a clearing solution to remove any residuals and chemicals that have built up in soil or plant foliage. Five to six days before harvesting, leach the growing medium with clean tap water or reverse osmosis water. Use a clearing solution such as Final Flush® to remove any built-up nutrients in soil.
Some indoor gardeners fertilize with a liquid salt-based fertilizer up until 2-3 days before harvest and use a clearing solution to remove fertilizer residues. They say the practice helps plants retain weight in flower buds. But it does not make buds grow any faster and fertilizer residues are still present in plant tissue. The tradeoff is fertilizer adding weight at the expense of medicinal quality.
This big healthy crop of Blue Dream is ready for harvest.
Apply the leaching solution as per directions. Always let at least ten percent, preferably more, drain out the bottom of containers. If using a re-circulating hydroponic system, change the water after the first four to six days of application. Continue to top off the reservoir with “clean” fresh water.
How to tell when fertilizer “could” affect taste
1. Leaf tips and margins are burned
2. Leaves are brittle at harvest
3. Flower buds smell like chemicals
4. Flower buds crackle when burning
5. Buds taste like fertilizer
Do not water for one or two days before harvest. The soil should be fairly dry, but not dry enough that plants wilt. This will speed drying time by a day or more and not affect the quality of cannabinoids.
A green light or a UVB lamp makes pest trails and diseases impossible to miss!
Inspect plants at night with a green light or a UVB light. Powdery mildew and insect feces and trails are visible; they actually jump out at you as if you were reading an eye chart in the optometrist’s chair. Carefully remove all signs of powdery mildew before it enters plant tissue. Spray fungus with an organic fungistat before removing it to ensure it does not contaminate the rest of the crop. This method works only when there is very little mildew.
Some gardeners keep plants in 24-48 hours of darkness before harvesting. They say this practice causes buds to become more resinous.
copied and pasted from - http://www.cannabis.info/gb/abc/10001398-before-harvest
I have recently purchased the "Cannabis Encyclopedia" by Jorge Cervates
Jorge describes his way of Air Curing so I thought I would share it with you.
Dry you crop slowly, in arid conditions use the box with holes in it or the paper bag method. In humid conditions hang in your grow space or drying cabinet with a fan on slow not directly pointing at your buds but allowing for some air movement.
Small electronic or mechanical humidistats can be put in curing jars to monitor humidity which will be ideally 62% RH.
If the RH drop below this then Boveda 62 humidipaks can be placed in the jars to regulate the RH.
Jorge's Air Curing Method : Step-by-Step
- Remove flower buds from branches and place in an airtight container. Some plastic bags may impart a plastic or metallic odor. Clear and opaque turkey bags used for long-term storage are airtight. I prefer Black Magic Odor Barrier Bags because they are black, durable and airtight. There are also bags that reflect heat and are airtight (when properly sealed) and infrared-proof,which protects them from heat.
- Write today's date on each curing container.
- Gently pack as many buds into the container as possible without forcing or damaging them. Place in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Once enclosed in a airtight container,moisture inside the buds migrates to dry portions of the stems and foliage.Check in 2 to 4 hours to see if buds feel different. Gently squeeze a couple of buds to see if they feel moister now. Becareful! Resin glands bruise easily.
- Opent the drying container 2 or 3 times a daily for the first 7 days to release moisture. Take a whiff the instant you open the container. The fragrance should be sweet and somewhat moist. If necessary , removebuds from jar for a short time to inspect for mold and disease.
- After the first week, open containers once or twice a week for a quick whiff. Do not open to many times or the slow curing process will not work.
- Some gardeners cure flower buds slowly for 6 months or longer. However after 2 to 3 weeks they should be fully cured and remainfresh, firm and pliable. Flower buds can be sealed in containers and stored
Hand copied from the "Cannabis Encyclopedia" by Jorge Cervantes. Well worth buying this book it only cost me £23 which is an absolute bargain.
Whilst we are talking about the smell of cannabis and terpenes I though I would add this article.
Terpenes May Improve Effectiveness Of Medical Marijuana
Terpenes Influence The Synergy Effect Of Cannabis
As we know, science has identified and characterized the molecular structure of around 20,000 terpenes, which makes it the largest category of plant chemicals. These aromatic compounds are found in the essential oils of plants and flowers, and plenty of studies have been done on their effects.
Of the 20,000 identified terpenes, there have been more than 120 found in cannabis. Only a few of them appear in high concentrations, but they have been found to have a number of benefits. A few of these effects are covered in our terpenoid article, but recent research has suggested an “entourage effect” as well. In his 2011 study “Taming THC,” Ethan Russo, from GW Pharmaceuticals, discussed the interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids.
Terpenes May Reduce THC-Induced Anxiety
“Citrus fruits (high in limonene) were used as a ‘cannabis antidote’ in 10th century Persia.”
For years, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was the only cannabinoid investigated for its medicinal value, and we know it has the potential to cause anxiety in some patients. However, certain terpenes in cannabis, like Linalool, have been found to counter the anxiety.
In fact, Russo points out that terpenes likely played a role in a number of ancient antidotes for the less desirable effects of THC. For instance, citrus fruits (high in limonene) were used as a “cannabis antidote” in 10th century Persia. Other ancient antidotes include calamus plant roots and pine nuts (high in pinene), as well as black pepper (high in caryophyllene and myrcene).
Terpenes And Cannabinoids Can Work Together
Terpenoids can be used for more than countering THC-induced anxiety. Russo discussed interactions to treat a number of issues including: pain, inflammation, depression, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, and infections.
Russo believes pinene would be useful in the treatment of MRSA. Cannabigerol (CBG) is a potent MRSA inhibitor, and can be found with small amounts of THC. Because of this Russo suggests a whole-plant extract, high in CBG and pinene, which was found to have its own anti-MRSA qualities in 2010.
“Combining terpenoids with a CBD-rich extract may help treat the wide-ranging effects of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Terpenes could also aid in Alzheimer’s treatment with cannabidiol (CBD). Linalool, which is prominent in lavender, helps counter stress and anxiety. Limonene is commonly used in aromatherapy to improve mood, and pinene is known to promote alertness and memory retention. Combining these terpenoids with a CBD-rich extract may help treat the wide-ranging effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Another interaction that Russo highlighted could have benefits for addiction treatment. An essential oil made from black pepper reduced nicotine cravings in cigarette smokers. Interestingly enough, black pepper essential oils are high in myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, all of which can be found in cannabis.
Caryophyllene is interesting because it directly stimulates the CB2 receptors throughout the body. As we know, CB2 agonists prevent the release of dopamine, which is related to addiction. This, in combination with the use of CBD for opiate withdrawal, suggests that cannabis with caryophyllene could have a variety of rehabilitative benefits.
“K”, like multiple growers on online forums, believes that a number of variables (lighting, soil composition, nutrients, etc.) can influence terpene production. If growers are able to influence the production of specific terpenes, they could improve their product’s effectiveness.
Terpenes Can Improve Medical Marijuana, Infused Products
It’s been reported that certain terpenes dilate capillaries in the lungs. Logic tells us that this would be useful in the case of smoked or vaporized cannabis. Dilated capillaries would enable beneficial cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream easier. This certainly could be useful for growers who know how their crops will be ingested, and in the production of cannabis concentrates.
In fact, a number of concentrate makers enhance their finished product with pure terpenes. This is typically done for added flavor, as the more volatile terpenes can be lost during the extraction process. However, infusing concentrates with a specific terpene for added effect would be equally beneficial. For instance, pinene is a bronchodilator, which could benefit asthma patients.
In fact, similar processes already exist. According to Jeff Raber, founder of The Werc Shop, a lab-testing facility in Los Angeles, they are able to infuse concentrates with the terpenes lost. “Based on the terpene-profile of each strain,” he added, “we can recreate as much of the whole plant component as possible.”
One step further, K believes terpene-rich extracts could play a major role in the future of medical marijuana. He points out that some patients might want the terpene-related flavor and relief, without the high from THC.
Another potential application of terpenes could benefit users of medicated topicals. Nerolidol, a sedative terpene, is a known skin penetrant. Therefore, it could aid in cannabinoid absorption if infused in topicals.
The benefits of terpenes are widely recognized, but they just now are being explored by experts in the cannabis industry. As Ethan Russo pointed out, terpenes may influence a number of cannabis’ benefits. Their interaction with cannabinoids often impacts the effectiveness of medical marijuana strains and products, and could be used to facilitate a better overall experience.
I found a paper (Ross, S.A.; ElSohly, M.A. J. Nat. Prod. 1996, 59: 49-51) that notes the % of essential oils (terpenes) in fresh cannabis flowers to be .29 %. The major components of that essential oil fraction are myrcene (67%) and limonene (16%). That works out to 1.9 mg of myrcene and .46 mg of limonene per 1.0 g of fresh cannabis flowers.
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I know this is a hefty read but it contains some great info
peace
Arty
