What are CBD Flower Terpenes?
Flavour is fascinating. Chocolate, wine, cheese – some of life’s most delectable things exist at the centres of their own worlds, where subtle (and not so subtle) nuances in flavour, overtones and undertones, aromas and bodies and blends lie in wait for the adventurous among us.
The hemp flower is more than deserving of a spot on that list. True, most of us are able to pinpoint a generic ‘hemp smell’ carried in its smoke, but beneath those plumes lies an entire world of flavour and aroma to explore.
From the fruity and sweet to the comforting, warm biscuity flavours of our Cookie Monster CBD Flower, there is a lot more to CBD flower than that familiar smell.
This is where we get to the point, and introduce you to terpenes. Terpenes are in every strain of cannabis out there, although you can’t see them. You can, however, experience them in abundance, and getting to know what they do – and how they affect each flower out there differently – will open you up to a whole new world of flavour.
What are Terpenes?
‘Terpene’ is an umbrella term for a variety of naturally occurring compounds found in plants. They are all represented by the formula (C5H8)n – which, put simply, means they are hydrocarbons (a combination of hydrogen and carbon). Terpenes are further classified into other subcategories, but understand the umbrella term is sufficient – unless you really want to get into the biochemistry.
But, if you’re anything like the rest of us, you’re happy to stick to the fringes.
Luckily, you don’t have to be a biochemist to experience what terpenes are really capable of. They are largely responsible for the distinctive smells produced by many different flowers, plants, fruits and spices, from black pepper to mango, lemon to rosemary, Cookie Monster to Banana Punch.
Terpenes are often found in the essential oils of many plants, such as the tea tree, which can be extracted and put to use in many different ways. Many essential oils are, of course, used therapeutically.
Terpenes are found in abundance in the Cannabis genus, which is where we find hemp. These terpenes (referred to as terpenoids) are secreted by the hair-like ‘trichomes’ found around the bud and leaves. Two different strains could feature very different combinations and concentrations of certain terpenoids, which is why two different hemp flowers can give off very different aromas.
And, as you know, where there’s a smell, there’s a taste to match. There are many different ways to use hemp flowers, but cooking with them – say, by infusing butter with hemp and using that in your baking – is a great way to unlock those complex flavour profiles. Smoking and vaping are also great but, as with most things, experience will elevate your ability to recognise those nuances in flavour and aroma.
Research published in 2020 has suggested a potential link between certain terpene profiles (combinations of terpenes), and positive results in users suffering from a range of mental health conditions. Of course, this is only preliminary, and it will take much more research for any definitive claims to be made, but we’re certainly excited to find out more.
What Terpenes are Found in Hemp?
There are many, many different terpenes that have been identified in hemp. This article published in Plant Science in 2019 states that 150 different terpenes have been identified across a variety of plants from the Cannabis genus.
Add to that the fact that there are thousands of different strains of the Cannabis plant out there – and that many of those are classified under the botanical class we know as hemp – and you’ll start to see quite how wide and varied the world before your feet really is.
As you would expect, however, some terpenes pop up more than others, and they will strongly impact the flavour profile of the hemp flower itself.
Here are some of the most common.
Limonene
Three guesses what limonene tastes like in three, two, one. We can give you a hint if you like.
That’s right. The fresh, citrus aroma created by the terpene limonene makes it incredibly popular, particularly among those who love to get culinarily creative with their hemp flower. Some have suggested that even the smell of limonene can aid with relieving stress.
Linalool
This is the sort of calming, floral smell that we would most readily identify with lavender – one of the most distinctive plants we can call to mind.
And, just as lavender is a popular staple at bath- and bedtime, linalool is thought by some to offer a wonderfully relaxing, unwinding sensation.
Pinene
Pine trees are one of the most abundant sources of terpenes out there, so it’s no surprise they’d have a terpene named over their strong and unique smell. That rich, piney smell hikers inhale with gusto is produced by pinene, and it has been identified in a number of strains of hemp flower.
It’s said to be more stimulating than, say, linalool. Fans of pinene-rich hemp flowers tend to favour it for daytime use.
Caryophyllene
The ultimate terpene for lovers of those rich, autumnal spices – flavours of pepper, cloves, black caraway, and earthy hops. The kind of smells you’d associate with ye olde apothecary, or the ultimate spiced latte on a dark October morning.
Some research has suggested that caryophyllene possesses pain-relieving properties. Again, more research is needed before we can feel sure about the true nature of caryophyllene in hemp flower, but its popularity and comforting flavours have already made it a true winner among users.
