Terpene Analysis
Terpene Analysis
Terpene Analysis is an integral part of the cannabis user experience. When our lab analyses a cannabis product, we can identify different profiles within the product. These profiles help identify strains and uncover the potential effects of a particular flower or product. Our lab currently tests for 21 terpenes for medical cannabis producers and hemp producers in the state of Georgia.
What is a Terpene?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants. Though most people associate them with cannabis, these aromatic compounds create the characteristic scents of many plants, including pine and lavender. The fragrance of most plants is due to a combination of terpenes. In nature, these terpenes protect the plants from predators like animals that graze or even infectious germs.
Terpenes may also offer some health benefits to the human body. As regulations surrounding cannabis become less strict, scientists are conducting more research into these possible benefits. Currently, manufacturers use isolated terpenes to create flavors and scents of many everyday products, such as perfumes, body products, and even foods. Within nature, terpenes play a vital role in attracting pollinators and repelling predators. In addition, some terpenes play a protective role in the plant, helping the plant recover from damage; others act as part of the plant’s immune system to keep away infectious germs.
What is the difference between a terpene and a terpenoid?
Terpene and terpenoid are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Terpenes are the natural form of these compounds when they are in the live plant. As the plant dries and cures, the terpenes oxidize and become terpenoids.
LUX LEAF Terpene Analysis
Caryophyllene Oxide
Also found in basil and black pepper. This terpene is common in cannabis and is believed to have antioxidant, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties.
y-Terpinene
Also found in cardamom and marjoram. This terpene is believed to be an antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-insomnia, among other therapeutic effects. It’s known for its woody, smoky aroma.
trans-Nerolidol
Also found in jasmine and lemongrass. This terpene is believed to provide calming and anti-anxiety effects, and it’s also supposed to fight infections. It has a woody floral aroma.
p-Cymene
Also found in thyme and cumin. This terpene is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and provide pain relief. In addition, it has a sweet citrus scent.
Linalool
Also found in lavender. This terpene is believed to provide a calming effect. It has a light floral scent.
Guaiol
Also found in cypress pine. This terpene is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and has a pine-like aroma.
δ-3-Carene
Also found in cedar and rosemary. This terpene is believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits and has a sweet earthy aroma.
Camphene
Also found in nutmeg and ginger, this terpene is believed to be a potent antioxidant, pain reliever, and anti-inflammatory. In addition, it has a musky, earthy scent.
D-Limonene
Also found in lemon and orange rind. This terpene is believed to provide anxiety and stress relief. It has a light citrus aroma.
α-Humulene
Also found in hops and wood. This terpene is believed to provide anti-inflammatory relief and has a spicy, earthy scent.
α-Pinene
Also found in rosemary and pine trees. This terpene is believed to aid in pain relief and inflammation; it has a fresh minty pine aroma.
α-Bisabolol
Also found in chamomile. This terpene is believed to be an antioxidant and antibacterial; it has a light floral scent.
β-Caryophyllene
Also found in cinnamon and black pepper. This is the only terpene known to activate the endocannabinoid system to provide anti-inflammatory effects. It has a woody, spicy aroma.
Isopulegol
Also found in mint and eucalyptus. This terpene is believed to be an anti-seizure and reduce inflammation. It has a light mint aroma.
β-Myrcene
Also found in mango and lemongrass. This terpene is believed to produce calming effects; it has a fruity scent.
α-Terpinene
This terpene is believed to have many therapeutic benefits, from anti-fungal to anti-insomnia, is has a woody, smoky aroma.
Ocimene
Also found in parsley and mint. This terpene is believed to be antiviral, decongestant, and antiseptic; it has a sweet herbal scent.
How are terpenes different from cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a class of bioactive secondary metabolites found in cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.). Cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), activate receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. This process is what creates the “high” that people experience when they use cannabis products. Similarly, cannabidiol (CBD) is another cannabinoid that is becoming more popular. Many people enjoy CBD because of its medicinal properties. However, although CBD acts on some of the same receptors as THC, it influences them differently; CBD does not create a feeling of euphoria. Although THC and CBD may be the most well-known cannabinoids, they are just two of over 100 cannabinoids contained in cannabis.
Alongside cannabinoids, the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.) also contains another bioactive metabolite called as terpenes which are not limited to cannabis but among the most abundant compounds in the world. The true terpenes are usually grouped according to the number of isoprene (C5H8) units in the molecule: monoterpenes (C10H16) contain two such units; sesquiterpenes (C15H24), three; diterpenes (C20H32), four; triterpenes (C30H48), six; and tetraterpenes (C40H64) Terpenes are primarily responsible for the aroma that comes from a plant and even some animal compounds. Although they are known for their aromatic effects, some may also act on the endocannabinoid system, similar to cannabinoids. The critical difference is that the body absorbs and uses these compounds in different ways.
How do Terpenes affect the body?
Many terpenes are called secondary metabolites produced by aromatic and medicinal plants, which means they affect the human body. The exact effects will vary based on the concentration of the terpene itself and how a person uses it. Because terpenes produce noticeable fragrances, they form the bases of many essential oils and are integral to alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy. Many studies have shown that inhaling the scents from some medicinal plants and essential oils may affect a person’s mood and stress levels.
LUX has the complete suite of cannabis testing services to support the newly licensed medical marijuana cultivators in the state of Georgia.
LUX has the complete suite of cannabis testing services to support the newly licensed medical marijuana cultivators in the state of Georgia.
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