The cannabis industry continues to progress well into the final stretch in 2021. The industry is still on course to exceed $300 billion within the next ten years. Last year, the United States passed legislation allowing retail cannabis sales in five new states. This year, those same states are gearing up compliance and regulation to offer their citizens bud. However, cannabis consumers are not fully conscious of the variety of available products, Especially when it comes to cannabinoids and terpenes altogether.

Exploring cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are molecular compounds that exclusively belong to cannabis. These compounds can affect cannabis’ appearance, taste, and even its potency. Moreover, cannabinoids work by interacting with the body’s Endocannabinoid System, or ECS. This is a system of receptors present in virtually every mammal. It is the critical system required to digest cannabinoids properly. It is also worth noting that cannabinoids are not the same as terpenes. Terpenes are similar to an aromatic oil versus a molecular compound. 

Everyday cannabinoids

Research has discovered that there are nearly 120 different types of cannabinoids. Some popular cannabinoids include THC, CBD, CBG, and so many more. Here are some popular cannabinoids available for retail:

CBD

CBD is a complement to THC in a litany of ways. Also known as Cannabinol, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. This means, unlike THC, CBD does not get patients high. Moreover, CBD has been thriving in counteracting the psychoactivity of THC. The ratio of CBD is often recognized as 1:20. However, unlike THC, CBD can be found in industrial-grade hemp as well.

THC

THC is unquestionably the most widespread cannabinoid currently on the market. Scientifically, THC is known as Delta-9 TetraHydroCannabinol. This cannabinoid is renowned for its psychoactive abilities. This means that consuming THC induces patients with ‘high’ cannabis has become known for. The ratio of THC-to-CBD per mature cannabis plant is approximately 20:1. This is why CBD is known to be more ‘scarce’ than THC.

Evaluating terpenes

Terpenes are the fundamental oils of cannabis. Terpenes are produced in the same regions of cannabis that provide cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBN. Furthermore, terpenes possess aromatic properties that give cannabis the distinct scents we’ve all come to expect. The scents associated with cannabis strains like Gorilla Glue #4 (now Original Glue), Lemon Haze, Strawberry Kush, and many other strains owe their fragrance to the release of terpenes. These compounds are also found in other plants aside from cannabis.

Finding terps

When it comes to identifying terpenes, the most effective way to do so is by way of scent. As aforementioned, terpenes are the aromatic essential oils associated with cannabis as well as other common plants. This means that smelling for terpenes is still one of the most efficient methods for the typical cannabis consumer to identify terpenes. Thanks to modern technology, cannabis companies can determine the percentage of terpenes available in cannabis without smelling for them. 

Known terps

Although research surrounding cannabis is scarce studies, have determined that there are over 90 different terpene profiles. Some of the common terpene profiles include:

Limonene  

This terpene is praised for its sweet, citrus scent that is often compared to lemons, limes, oranges. This terpene has been regarded for its antifungal, anti-depression, and anti-anxiety benefits. Limonene also can elevate mood and stress relief.

Myrcene

This terpene is renowned for its herbal, piney yet clove-like aroma. Household strains like Granddaddy Purple, Amnesia, and Trainwreck host a slew of myrcene terpenes. When cannabis patients think of myrcene, they immediately think of fresh, sweet mangoes. Myrcene has been praised for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial effects. Furthermore, myrcene also can promote sedation, relaxation and enhance the psychoactivity connected to THC.

There are so many more terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis. Many of them have been linked to health benefits. We here at Stickyleaf will try them all (unless research gives us a reason not to.)