Terpenes - Choosing the right strain for you

[Pot Luck]

Hi all.

I've been doing a little reading into terpenes in cannabis as i'm crap at trying to describe smells. Thought i'd share this article from leafly (top site btw have apps available too). Maybe it will help folks come to a decision on what strains might suit them.

Terpenes: The Flavors of Cannabis Aromatherapy

By Bailey Rahn 2/12/2014

Theres something about the aroma of cannabis that soothes the mind and body. Whether its the sweet fruity taste of Pineapple Trainwreck or that skunky smell that bursts from a cracked bud of Sour Diesel, we know theres something going on under their complex and flavorful bouquets.

Terpenes are what you smell, and knowing what they are will deepen your appreciation of cannabis whether youre a medical patient or recreational consumer.

Secreted in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are the pungent oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine. Medical research on cannabis has so avidly focused on cannabinoids that we dont know much about these aromatic compounds yet. However, we know just enough to realize that terpenes are the next frontier in medical marijuana.

Not unlike other strong-smelling plants and flowers, the development of terpenes in cannabis began for adaptive purposes: to repel predators and lure pollinators. There are many factors that influence a plants development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even the time of day.

Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and every strain tends toward a unique terpene type and composition. In other words, a strain like Cheese and its descendents will likely have a discernible cheese-like smell, and Blueberry offspring often inherit the smell of berries.

The diverse palate of cannabis flavors is impressive enough, but arguably the most fascinating characteristic of terpenes is their ability to interact synergistically with other compounds in the plant, like cannabinoids. In the past few decades, most cannabis varieties have been bred to contain high levels of THC, and as a result, other cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, and CBN have fallen to just trace amounts. This has led growers to believe that terpenes help account for the unique effects induced by each cannabis strain.

This synergy has a scientific basis in our bodys endocannabinoid system. THC binds to receptors concentrated most heavily in the brain where psychoactive effects take place. Terpenes also bind to these receptor sites and affect their chemical output. They can also modify how much THC passes through the blood-brain barrier. Their hand of influence even reaches to neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin by altering their rate of production and destruction, their movement, and availability of receptors.

The effects these mechanisms produce vary from terpene to terpene; some are especially successful in relieving stress, while others promote focus and acuity. Myrcene, for example, induces sleep whereas limonene elevates mood. There are also effects that are imperceptible, like the gastroprotective properties of Caryophyllene.

Their differences may be subtle, but terpenes can add great depth to the horticultural art and connoisseurship of cannabis. Most importantly, terpenes may offer incredible medical value as they mediate our bodys interaction with therapeutic cannabinoids. Many cannabis analysis labs now test terpene content, so any consumer can have a better idea of what effects their strain might produce. With their unlimited combinations of synergistic effects, terpenes will likely open up new scientific and medical terrains for cannabis research.

Most Common Cannabis Terpenes

Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Pinene

Aroma: Pine

Effects: Alertness, memory retention, counteracts some THC effects

Medical Value: Asthma, antiseptic

Also Found In: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill

*High Pinene Cannabis Strains: Jack Herer, Chemdawg, Bubba Kush, Trainwreck, Super Silver Haze

Myrcene

Aroma: Musky, cloves, earthy, herbal with notes of citrus and tropical fruit

Effects: Sedating couchlock effect, relaxing

/b]Medical Value:[/b] Antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic; good for muscle tension, sleeplessness, pain, inflammation, depression

Also Found In: Mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops

*High Myrcene Cannabis Strains: Pure Kush, El Nino, Himalayan Gold, Skunk #1, White Widow

Limonene

Aroma: Citrus

Effects: Elevated mood, stress relief

Medical Value: Antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, dissolves gallstones, mood-enhancer; may treat gastrointestinal complications, heartburn, depression

Also Found In: Fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, peppermint

*High Limonene Cannabis Strains: OG Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Jack the Ripper, Lemon Skunk

Caryophyllene

Aroma: Pepper, spicy, woody, cloves

Effects: No detectable physical effects

Medical Value: Gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory; good for arthritis, ulcers, autoimmune disorders, and other gastrointestinal complications

Also Found In: Black pepper, cloves, cotton

*High Caryophyllene Cannabis Strains: Hash Plant

Linalool

Aroma: Floral, citrus, candy

Effects: Anxiety relief and sedation

Medical Value: Anti-anxiety, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-acne

Also Found In: Lavender

*High Linalool Cannabis Strains: G-13, Amnesia Haze, Lavender, LA Confidential

*Note: Not every batch of any given strain will have high levels of these terpenes as they are subjected to variable growing conditions. The only way to be sure is through a labs terpene analysis.

If i go and copy the link i'll lose the post, but its over on leafly's site.

[blackpoolbouncer]

top read dude, been thinking about terpenes an awfull lot recently and have found many things ive noted about strains reguarding taste and smell in comparison to effect seem to correlate between strains. Nice to read something that confirms what ive been thinking for some time about certain things to do with each strain and how it effects me.

Will be nice to see if my hashplant 2's outdoors contain high caryophellene and how it effects my ibs

[Pot Luck]

@@blackpoolbouncer

Glad you found it interesting, here's another from projectcbd.org

Ps - are you really from bpool? I grew up not far from there - many happy memories. Tacky place, but a great laugh

Terpenes

Terpenes typically are volatile molecules that evaporate easily and readily announce themselves to the nose. Therein lies the basis of aromatherapy, a popular holistic healing modality.

Various researchers have emphasized the pharmacological importance of terpenes, or terpenoids, the compounds that give cannabis its unique odor. THC, CBD, and the other cannabinoids have no smell. Marijuanas compelling fragrance depends on which terpenes predominate. Its the combination of terpenoids and cannabinoids that endows each strain with a specific psychoactive flavor. Patients who abandon a suitable strain for one with higher THC and/or CBD content may not get more relief if the terpenoid profile is significantly different.

Around 200 terpenes have been found in cannabis, but only a few of these odiferous oily substances appear in amounts substantial enough to be noteworthy, or nose worthy, as it were. The terpenoid profile can vary considerably from strain to strain.

Like their odorless cannabinoid cousins, terpenes are oily compounds secreted in marijuanas glandular trichomes. Terpenes and THC share a biochemical precursor, geranyl pyrophosphate, which develops into the cannabinoids and terpenoids that saturate the plants flower tops and spackle its leaves.

There are monoterpenes, diterpenes, and sesquiterpenes, depending on the number of repeating units of a 5-carbon molecule called isoprene, the structural hallmark of all terpenoid compounds. The terpenes in marijuana have given the plant an enduring, evolutionary advantage. Pungent terpenoid oils repel insects and animal grazers; others prevent fungus.

Terpenes, it turns out, are healthy for people as well as plants. A September 2011 report by Dr. Ethan Russo in the British Journal of Pharmacology discussed the wide-ranging therapeutic attributes of terpenoids.

Beta-caryophyllene, for example, is a sesquiterpene found in the essential oil of black pepper, oregano, and other edible herbs, as well as in various cannabis strains and in many green, leafy vegetables. It is gastro-protective, good for treating certain ulcers, and offers great promise as a therapeutic compound for inflammatory conditions and auto-immune disorders because it binds directly to the peripheral cannabinoid receptor known as CB2.

In 2008, the Swiss scientist Jürg Gertsch documented beta-caryophyllenes binding affinity for the CB2 receptor and described it as a dietary cannabinoid. It is the only terpenoid known to directly activate a cannabinoid receptor. And its one of the reasons why green, leafy vegetables are so healthy for people to eat.

The dual status of beta-caryophyllene as a terpenoid and a CB2 activator underscores the synergistic interplay between various components of the cannabis plant. There are over four hundred compounds in marijuana, including cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids (that give fruit skin its color). Each has specific medicinal attributes, which combine synergistically to create a holistic entourage effect so that the therapeutic impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts.

Terpenoids and cannabinoids both increase blood flow, enhance cortical activity, and kill respiratory pathogens, including MRSA, the antibiotic-resistant bacteria that in recent years has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Americans. Dr. Russos article reports that cannabinoid-terpenoid interactions could produce synergy with respect to treatment of pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections.

Marijuanas bouquet of terpenes that riot of perfumes, as the poet (and hashish-eater) Arthur Rimbaud once said plays another important role. Terpenes and CBD buffer THCs tricky psychoactivity. Cannabinoid-terpenoid interactions amplify the beneficial effects of cannabis while reducing THC-induced anxiety.

I like the idea of being able to classify strains by their terpene profile. If you knew all the profiles of your plants you'd be able to combine exact amounts of weed to create your own perfect effect.

Whilst i struggle to accept the concept of legalisation, it does have considerable benefits when it comes to properly understanding this cool plant.

This one from alternet.org

The Same Compounds Behind Marijuana's Distinctive Stinky Smells Give Clues About the Kinds of High You'll Experience

Photo Credit: Shutter Stock

The first thing you notice upon entering a well-stocked medical marijuana dispensary is the many varieties of cannabis on display dozens of glass jars filled with glistening, manicured bud. Everyone has their favorites: OG Kush, Headband, Sour Diesel, Flo, Lemon Thai, Super Silver Haze ... Some strains are energizing, some are sedating; some are better for pain, others for inspiration.

A couple hits of high-THC herb, by whatever name its called, will get you good and stoned. But its not the amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol that accounts for the particular properties of each strain. Nor are the minuscule quantities of cannabidiol (CBD) or the hundred or so minor cannabinoids a key factor in most strains. With few exceptions, the THC levels are lofty, while the other cannabinoids barely register their presence, according to labs that test samples for growers and dispensaries in states where medical marijuana is legal.

So if THC levels are generally high across the board and the other cannabinoids are present only at trace levels, what makes one strain different from another? And why does each marijuana strain impart a distinct psychoactive effect? There must be something else in the plant that influences the quality of the cannabis high.

David Watson, the master crafter of the foundational hybrid Skunk #1, was among the first to emphasize the importance of aromatic terpenes for their modifying impact on THC. Terpenes, or terpenoids, are the compounds in cannabis that give the plant its unique smell. THC and the other cannabinoids have no odor, so marijuanas compelling fragrance depends on which terpenes predominate. Its the combination of terpenoids and THC that endows each strain with a specific psychoactive flavor.

In 1989, Watson and his business partner, Robert Connell Clarke, formed HortaPharm, a legally chartered, Holland-based research company that specializes in botanical science and cannabis therapeutics. Based in Amsterdam, these two American expatriates broke new ground in horticultural pharmacology as they crossed and recrossed thousands of cannabis varietals, discarding most along the way while selecting a relatively small number for further development.

How did they decide which plants made the first cut? We smelled them, Watson explains.

He had long suspected that the terpenes present in cannabis resin enhance the potency of THC. Ten years after launching HortaPharm, Watson tested his hypothesis in an experiment that compared the subjective effects of 100 percent THC to lesser amounts in terpene-infused cannabis resin. The consensus among Watson and several associates: Terpene-infused resin with 50 percent THC was more potent by dry weight than an equivalent amount of pure THC.

Typically, terpenes are volatile molecules that evaporate easily and readily announce themselves to the nose. Therein lies the basis of aromatherapy, a popular alternative-healing modality. Like their odorless cannabinoid cousins, terpenes are oily compounds secreted in the marijuana plants glandular trichomes. Terpenes and THC share a biochemical precursor, geranyl pyrophosphate, which develops into the cannabinoids and terpenoids that saturate the plants flower tops.

But unlike THC and the other plant cannabinoids that exist nowhere else but in marijuana, terpenes are ubiquitous throughout the natural world. Produced by countless plant species, terpenes are prevalent in fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and other botanicals. Terpenes are also common ingredients in the human diet and have generally been recognized as safe to consume by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Scientists have identified and characterized the molecular structure of some 20,000 terpenes, which compose the largest category of plant chemicals. These can be further broken down into mono-terpenes, diterpenes and sesquiterpenes, depending on the number of repeating units of a five-carbon molecule called isoprene, the structural hallmark of all terpenoid compounds.

Around 200 terpenes have been found in cannabis, but only a few of these odiferous oily substances appear in amounts substantial enough to be noteworthy (or nose-worthy, as it were). Also, the terpenoid profile can vary considerably from strain to strain. The range of flavors expressed by the genusCannabis is extraordinary no other plant on the planet can equal the cacophony of smells and tastes available from cannabis, says DJ Short, the breeder-artisan who conjured True Blueberry from several heritage landrace strains.

The terpenes in marijuana have given the plant an enduring evolutionary advantage. Some of these essential oils are pungent enough to repel insects and animal grazers; others prevent fungus. To combat plant disease and infestation, organic pot growers spray the terpene-rich essential oils of neem and rosemary onto their crops. And terpenes, it turns out, are healthy for people as well, according to a September 2011 report by Dr. Ethan Russo in the British Journal of Pharmacology that discussed the wide-ranging therapeutic attributes of terpenoids, including several aromatic compounds that figure prominently in cannabis strains.

Alpha-pinene (essential pine oil), the most common terpene in the plant world and one often found in cannabis, is a bronchodilator potentially helpful for asthmatics. Pinene also promotes alertness and memory retention by inhibiting the metabolic breakdown of acetylcholinesterase, a neurotransmitter in the brain that stimulates these cognitive effects.

Myrcene, another terpene present in numerous cannabis varietals, is a sedative, a muscle relaxant, a hypnotic, an analgesic (painkiller) and an anti-inflammatory compound. This musky terpene contributes mightily to the infamous couch-lock experience, Russo maintains.

Limonene, a major terpene in citrus as well as in cannabis, has been used clinically to dissolve gallstones, improve mood and relieve heartburn and gastrointestinal reflux. Limonene has been shown to destroy breast-cancer cells in lab experiments, and its powerful antimicrobial action can kill pathogenic bacteria. (Lemon Kush, anyone?)

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Linalool, a terpenoid prominent in lavender as well as in some cannabis strains, is an anxiolytic compound that counters anxiety and mediates stress. In addition, linalool is a strong anticonvulsant, and it also amplifies serotonin-receptor transmission, conferring an antidepressant effect. Applied topically, linalool can heal acne and skin burns without scarring.

Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene found in the essential oils of black pepper, oregano and other edible herbs, as well as in cannabis and many green, leafy vegetables. It is gastro-protective, good for treating certain ulcers, and shows great promise as a therapeutic compound for inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders because of its ability to bind directly to the peripheral cannabinoid receptor known as CB2.

THC also activates the CB2 receptor, which regulates immune function and the peripheral nervous system. But this is not the reason people feel stoned when they smoke marijuana; instead, what causes the high is THC binding to the CB1 receptor, which is concentrated in the brain and the central nervous system.

Stimulating the CB2 receptor doesnt have a psychoactive effect because CB2 receptors are localized predominantly outside the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors are present in the gut, spleen, liver, heart, kidneys, bones, blood vessels, lymph cells, endocrine glands, and reproductive organs. Marijuana is such a versatile medicinal substance because it acts everywhere, not just in the brain.

In 2008, the Swiss scientist Jürg Gertsch documented beta-caryophyllenes binding affinity for the CB2 receptor and described it as a dietary cannabinoid. It is the only terpenoid known to directly activate a cannabinoid receptor (which is one of the reasons why green, leafy vegetables are very healthy for people to eat). The dual status of beta-caryophyllene as a terpenoid and a CB2 activator underscores the synergistic interplay between various components of the cannabis plant. There are over 400 chemical compounds in marijuana, including cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids (which give fruit skin its color). Each has specific medicinal attributes, which combine to create a holistic entourage effect, so that the therapeutic impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts.

Certain terpenoids dilate capillaries in the lungs, enabling smoked or vaporized THC to enter the bloodstream more easily. Nerolidol, a sedative terpenoid, is a skin penetrant that increases permeability and potentially facilitates cannabinoid absorption when applied topically for pain or skin conditions. Terpenoids and cannabinoids both increase blood flow, enhance cortical activity and kill respiratory pathogens including MSRA, the antibiotic-resistant bacteria that in recent years has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Americans. Dr. Russos article reports that cannabinoid-terpenoid interactions could produce synergy with respect to treatment of pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal, and bacterial infections.

Marijuanas bouquet of terpenes that riot of perfumes, as the poet (and hashish eater) Arthur Rimbaud once said plays another important role: Terpenes buffer THCs tricky psychoactivity. Cannabinoid terpenoid interactions can amplify the beneficial effects of cannabis while reducing THC-induced anxiety.

Some people cant handle THC dominant marijuana, while others enjoy the relaxed intensity of the cannabis high. But few would willingly choose Marinol, the pure synthetic-THC pill, rather than organically grown backyard bud with its tangy, antioxidant-rich mixture of cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids.

Marinol, legally available as a Schedule III substance, comes on like gangbusters and can make even the most seasoned stoner feel a bit too loopy. For nearly everyone who has tried both, the experience of THC alone compares poorly to that of THC combined with terpenes and other components of the cannabis plant.

In the summer of 2011, the Werc Shop in Los Angeles emerged as the first lab to test cannabis strains for terpenes. Since it began providing this service to the medical marijuana community, the Werc Shop has analyzed more than 2,000 bud samples for terpene content. Its analysis has occasionally revealed strains with different names but identical terpene content.

A terpene analysis is like a fingerprint, explains the Werc Shops president, Jeff Raber. It can tell you if its the same strain under different names. We can see strains going by different names that have the same terpene profile. We now know those strains are identical.

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Terpene testing has enabled the Werc Shop to identify when strains have been misnamed. Weve seen a dozen of samples of Trainwreck, for example, that have a consistent terpene profile, Raber says. And then we examine some bud purporting to be Trainwreck, but with a terpene content that differs markedly from what we know is Trainwreck. By testing for terpenes, we can often verify if the strain is what the grower or provider says it is.

It may be possible, via terpenoid and cannabinoid analysis, to investigate and verify the genetic lineage of various strains. Though a great deal of research would be required, one might even be able to construct something akin to a marijuana family tree.

The Werc Shop has also tested numerous cannabis extracts for their terpene content. But Raber found that the oil-extraction process, if it involves heating the plant matter, typically destroys the terpenes, which evaporate at much lower temperatures than THC.

Various extraction methods have their pros and cons. Using hexane or another toxic solvent to extract cannabis oil can leave poisonous residues behind. Critical CO2 extraction, while cleaner, requires expensive, sophisticated equipment and technical expertise. In either case, the extract maker may have to add the terpenes back into the oil concentrate in order to maximize the plants therapeutic potential.

In the future, when the herb is legal nationwide, it should be possible to access strain-specific cannabis oils, as well as made-to-order marijuana extracts with a full array of terpenes artfully tailored to meet the needs and desires of individual users.

Edited June 17, 2015 by Pot Luck

[blackpoolbouncer]

@@Pot Luck thanks again dude, another top read. All confirms what ive had kinda had floating around in my head for years.

Finding what terpenes you like and matching them to what you grow is essential imo to picking the right weed for you at the right time.

I ALWAYS match the weed i smoke to my mood, what effect i want and what im going to be doing whilst im smoking it.

[KanedAndUnable]

cool man, subbed. i got most of my strain info from leafly. its great for looking up strains to combat moods and medical symptoms too.

[redbeard]

If You’re Buying Your Weed Solely Based on the THC Level, You’re Doing it Wrong.

The entourage effect of the terpene and cannabinoid content plays a far greater role in determining your experience

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Picture this. You are preparing an elegant dinner for yourself and your significant other. You head into a liquor store looking for the perfect alcoholic beverage to compliment the flavors of your meal. Do you walk up to the counter and ask the shopkeeper for the bottle with the highest alcohol percentage? Most likely not, as Everclear doesn’t really have the most appetizing taste.

But with the advent of state legal marijuana, many dispensaries in the United States report that medical patients or recreational users tend to do just that when selecting their strains. “Which one has the highest THC content,” is a question often heard by the ears of budtenders, suggesting that anything with a lower count isn’t worth their dollar. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. After all, what is the reason that sometimes one drinks a beer, another time one enjoys a glass of wine, and yet another night one savors a smooth whiskey on the rocks?

The problem with selecting cannabis strains based solely on the THC content is much like stomaching the worst swill at the bar just because it has a high alcoholic percentage. By doing this, the consumer is robbing themselves of not only the rich scents and flavors of the strain, but also missing out on the beneficial effects that can be delivered through a strain’s specific terpene profile.

Terpenes are essential oils that determine all of these factors and make each strain unique. Together with the cannabinoid content — compounds such THC or CBD — we get what’s often referred to as an “entourage effect,” which ultimately has the final say in what kind of benefits you can receive from a particular strain. In fact, it has almost gotten to the point where one can zero in on what exactly they would like a strain to do for them, and by studying the effects of the individual terpenes, with a little trial-and-error, they can find the perfect strain to suit their needs.

 

Study your terpenes and find out if Fire OG is right for you!

But because of the limited scientific research done inside the United States on marijuana, many of these discoveries have been made “in the field” by the underground cannabis users.

“It’s almost as if the rest of the scientific community is in the present, but as far as marijuana is concerned, we are sitting at the forefront of the scientific revolution,” says Adam Laikin, Director of Marketing for Tryke companies.

Darin Carpenter, Director of Cultivation at Tryke, feels passionately about the science of terpenes. We spoke to him to get a better idea about the fascinating discoveries happening in this space.

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Mike Pizzo: When did people really start looking at terpenes as a variable in the cultivation process for marijuana?

 

Darin Carpenter, Director of Cultivation at Tryke Companies

Darin Carpenter: I think generally people were looking at terpenes — whether they knew it or not — way back in the underground days, because terpenes are what give the cannabis its smell. Some people prefer very strong, pungent types of smells. Others prefer the sweet types of smells. Other growers didn’t want any type of smell. But it was all based on the concentration and makeup of the terpenes.

More recently, I think, the terpenes became more of a major subject of interest, once states started mandating analytical labs to test the different potencies of various compounds. This caused people to start truly questioning the effects and combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids.

What are some good examples of how the entourage effect works or how cultivators zero in on what is going to work together in a strain?

It’s synergy; multiple elements that work together to amplify an effect. When the cannabinoids are paired with terpenes and certain concentrations of them, that’s what generally provides the particular effect. What science understands now is that the combination of those terpenes actually has the ultimate say in the type of effect and intensity that one experiences when consuming cannabis.

Cannabinoids do have a very specific effect, but the terpenes work to amplify that effect and move it to a more particular subset, whether it’s anti-anxiety, paired with pain remediation, or helping people with insomnia, etc. CBD, for instance, is known to be a neural protectant. So that’s the effect of it, helping people with seizures, etc. When people are consuming a CBD plant with one profile of terpenes, they might get a different effect than consuming a different CBD plant with a different terpene profile.

 

Leafly’s terpene chart allows users to better select their cannabis strains.

What are some of the more popular terpenes, or are they well known enough to be popular?

Well, for instance, myrcene gives off the sweet smell, more indicative of indica plants. Then you have limonene, which has more of a citrus odor, which leans heavier into sativas. There are over 200 terpenes out there, it’s just the molecular composition that changes its odor and effect.

I think there is a lot more experimentation that needs to be done. Certain labs are actually increasing the number of terpenes and cannabinoids that they are actually looking for, in an effort to understand the entourage effect of the molecular profile of that particular genetic and how it effects individuals. You can break the terpenes down to a core group, but there might be some other compounds that actually are enhancing that core group for the total enhancement. There is a lot more work that needs to be done.

Probably because there are so many combinations out there, right?

Right. So, for instance, Medusa, some people just don’t like Medusa. It doesn’t work for them. But for me, it might be the thing that takes my pain away. It might be the thing that helps me with anxiety, or symptom I am trying to control. One strain might work for you, that may not work for me the same way. One may make you feel relaxed and comfortable, while I might get a feeling of paranoia.

Everyone is harping on, “I have to have the highest THC concentration.” To me, it’s not about that. It’s the effect and finding the strain that works for you, particularly. Yes, THC gives you that psychoactive effect, but some of the better strains out there aren’t higher THC. It’s the combination of the flavors and the terpenes that are paired with the THC and the cannabinoids that make it so powerful. People see THC as a value proposition, like “I am spending $25 an eighth and this one’s got 30% THC. Why would I spend $35 or $45 on something that’s got 15%?” If they tried it, they might see that it’s not all the THC. They actually might get a better effect, taste and experience because of the terpene/cannabinoid profile that works best for them.

Federal law has made it really difficult to study cannabis in the United States, so there is not a lot of scientific research done on this here, right?

Yeah, not a lot in the United States. Israel and England is where most of the research is being done.

That actually brings up another point, that a lot of the “testing” is going on in the field, where people are going “This worked for me, this didn’t,” etc. And through word-of-mouth, those findings are kind of going “viral” in the cannabis community, is that right?

Yeah. A lot of the guys in Mendocino and Santa Rosa, the Emerald Triangle area, they were kind of growing and breeding what works for them and what speaks to them. That’s really kind of how it’s been, but nobody that I am aware of has really started a targeted breeding program to develop strains to create a library with a wide range of particular effects, quality and yield.

 

Different strains featured at Reef Dispensaries in Las Vegas

So do you think people that are purchasing based only on a super high THC levels are doing so out of naivety?

It’s not always about the concentration of the psychoactive ingredients in the flower. It is the combination of the terpenes and cannabinoids that provide that effect. So if people are looking for something, they don’t need to go for that super high-potency strain. Yes, it may work for them, but there are other options that may or may not.

For me, I hate expensive beers. If you take some super craft, micro brew with a heavy amount of hops and for me it just tastes too bitter. It doesn’t quench my thirst. I prefer other types of flavors when enjoying a beer. I think when educating the patients, we need to explain that you will still get the desired effect in most cases, and because of that, you should enjoy something that has the flavor profile smell and look that speaks to you and controls their individual symptoms.

 

• https://medium.com/trykecultivator/if-youre-buying-your-weed-solely-based-on-the-thc-level-you-re-doing-it-wrong-ec5422d4ddfd

   

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[KaptainKush]

Aint that the truth. Some high thc strains taste like ass, its all about the overall expeience for me, picking and smelling tbe buds then having that same smell come through as taste followed by whichever sort of high the strain comes with 

 

More importantly 

Quote

Darin carpenter, Director of cultivation 

 

How the fuck do you get a job like that and where do i sign   

Edited May 8, 2017 by KaptainKush

[Badbadger]

There are so many complicated medical conditions that effect people in a myriad of ways that there are no perfect strains in reality.It may be easier if you have 1 or 2 issues though I agree.

 

I have a dozen conditions 3 of which are serious so which one 

 do I aim to work on first? or do I smoke 12 different strains a day? that would be impossible,I could make a mixed extraction but growing enough of just 5 strains would be tough if not impossible in suitable quantities for processing.

 

So far I've found the easiest way is to stick with higher THC strains, it's that simple when you need a broad spectrum relief like mine.

 

I may be an extreme case yes but for a reliable effect and relief the high THC strains do work and don't forget the THC hit is also a real mental distraction making you able to refocus away from the pain and stress.

 

Also for people who are new to growing weed and its medical use it would become a completely confusing choice to make once you start looking at terpene content etc so I would say start with a mid-high strength strain and see where you end up with it.

 

It also doesn't matter what strains you grow if you can't grow very well ruining whatever balance of THC/CBD you aimed for at the start,you could end up with 5 plants of the same strain all varying in effects and uses.

 

So I think go big to give it a go as your at least going to get supplies of something to start with that would help the more basic conditions suffered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 8, 2017 by Badbadger

[Jimboo]

If You’re Buying Your Weed You’re Doing it Wrong..

[Misanthropic]

It's a great point about not just going for the highest thc like you wouldnt go into the shop for a beer and automatically and go for the special brew- but i'd guess that's exactly what a lot of people do when looking at seed catalogues. But it's nearly impossible to know what the subtle flavour notes from the different terps are just from reading the blurbs and not tasting it yourself - just the same if it was a description of a new craft beer.

It's all horses for courses innit depending if it's for a morning/daytime chill, medical, or moon clinging experience. I've had some that have been too strong if also having a few drinks with. I suppose the rationale is if its really strong that you just put less in - but that may work to an extent but the overall feeling and the flavour is still there. It reminds me of some homebrew i made - sure it got you drunk but it wasn't the most pleasurable thing to drink and your head felt like it was going to explode the day after .

Variety is the spice of life and all that.

 

/ramble

[Arnold Layne]

http://www.uk420.com/boards/index.php?/topic/358539-terpenes-choosing-the-right-strain-for-you/

 

Edited May 8, 2017 by Arnold Layne

[NiceCuppaTea4Me]

Thought this was all common knowledge, if it smells like cat piss it will be racey if it has a hay like undertone then you won't be standing up any time soon, if it has more of the canna distinction and nowt else you will be smiling all night... 

[nudger36]

Cannabis is so complex, I use this for reference myself for the Terpene side of things.

Edited May 9, 2017 by nudger36

[Arnold Layne]

Now this is why I am not personally a huge fan of extracts. I am not doubting their potency or value in any way, but in my own simple experience I find that for me to obtain maximum therapeutic value it is best to use the whole plant. I also find that aroma is a vital pointer, and have two or three smells that I look for in any new plant that comes my way.

[Slippy One]

Just reviving an old thread, as I'm about a week away from harvesting a Dutch Passion Skywalker Haze that has lost it's meat smell from week 4-6 and now has a very strong

peppercorn aroma.

 

Does anyone have experience with strains having a strong Caryophyllene presence?

 

I've read they bind heavily to the CB2 receptors, which from reading, are outside the brain (gut, joints, lymph nodes etc), so does this mean less head stone, more body? I guess I'll find out in 3 weeks once cured, but curious if anyone has experience with Caryophyllene heavy strains.. 

 

Cheers