{"id":3681,"date":"2020-11-21T23:25:50","date_gmt":"2020-11-21T23:25:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thinkhighercaregiving.com\/?p=3681"},"modified":"2020-11-21T23:25:50","modified_gmt":"2020-11-21T23:25:50","slug":"terpenes-101-preservation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinkhighercaregiving.com\/new-design\/terpenes-101-preservation\/","title":{"rendered":"\u200cTerpenes\u200c \u200c101\u200c \u200cPreservation\u200c \u200c|\u200c \u200cThink\u200c \u200cHigher\u200c \u200c|\u200c \u200cMedical\u200c \u200cCannabis\u200c"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Beyond Terpenes 101 | Preserving Terpenes In Cannabis<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Cannabis products get their flavors, aromas, and even some of their effects from volatile organic compounds known as terpenes. You might recognize some of the most common terpenes in cannabis from essential oils, candles, perfumes, and many other aromatic everyday objects.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Indeed, nature is abundant with many thousands of terpenes.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the nature of these compounds means they are often the first to degrade after harvest, cannabis products included. So, what is the best way to preserve terpene content after a cannabis plant is harvested?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What Are Terpenes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Let\u2019s start with some terpenes 101. <\/span>Terpenes<\/span><\/a> are responsible for producing aromas and flavors in many plants, including cannabis. <\/span><\/p>\n

While more than 20,000 of these compounds have been identified in nature, only around 200 appear in cannabis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Terpenes are believed to contribute to the overall effects of the plant, alongside cannabinoids. In 2011, researchers concluded that <\/span>terpenes work alongside cannabinoids to produce therapeutic effects<\/span><\/a> in a synergistic process called “the entourage effect.”<\/span><\/p>\n

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Terpenes are important, but these volatile organic compounds are also fragile; they are the first compounds to degrade after harvest and during manufacturing processes. <\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to know how your cannabis was harvested, processed, and stored; all of these processes impact the stability of your cannabis product.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What Damages Terpenes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Now that you have the terpenes 101 down pat, it\u2019s time to explore what exactly damages these fragile compounds. <\/span><\/p>\n

Terpenes degrade more easily than cannabinoids. <\/span>In fact, <\/span>more than 15% of cannabis-derived terpenes are considered “light,”<\/span><\/a> meaning they evaporate from the plant at room temperature. <\/span><\/p>\n

Terpenes are more sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. <\/span>Each affects decomposition in different ways, contributing to what can often be a rapid decline in the compounds present in cannabis flower or a cannabis extract.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Heat: <\/b>Heat kicks off a process known as decarboxylation, in whi<\/span>ch cannabinoids and terpenes synthesize into other compounds. For example, THCA from cannabis decarboxylates into THC. Left to additional exposure to heat (and light), THC can degrade into Cannabinol (CBN), greatly reducing its potency. The same is true for terpenes, many of which are destroyed during this process.<\/p>\n

<\/b>Humidity: <\/b>High levels of humidity are likewise counterproductive to preservation. The higher the humidity, the more likely moisture is to break down the trichomes, or resin glands, of cannabis flower. Trichomes are home to most cannabinoids and terpenes; if they break down, the final product is weaker. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Light: <\/b>Light, specifically ultraviolet (UV) rays, break down organic matter like cannabinoids and terpenes very quickly. As a result, drying and curing cannabis should be done in the dark as much as possible. Additionally, once cannabis is stored for transit, opaque containers provide the best protection against terpene degradation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oxygen: <\/b>Prolonged exposure to oxygen is another common reason that cannabis potency, flavor, and aroma are lost. Oxygen is a particular cause of cannabinoid degradation, but also impacts terpenes; a 1960 study found that <\/span>exposure to oxygen caused the terpene limonene, which is found in many plants like dill, celery, and lemons, to degrade<\/span><\/a>. This is because oxygen causes terpenes to convert into terpenoids, which reduces the flavorful and aromatic qualities of the compounds, as well as the potential health benefits they offer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Understanding the role each of these environmental factors plays in the degradation of terpenes (and cannabinoids) can help cultivators and extractors \u2013 as well as you at home — preserve more of these precious compounds.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h6>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Terps And Temps: What Are Boiling Points, And Why Do They Matter?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Every terpene has its own characteristics, including at which temperature they degrade. That\u2019s because each terpene has its own boiling point, meaning that they evaporate once a certain degree is reached. (This is the same logic applied to the manufacturing process, which we\u2019ll talk more about below.) That\u2019s why vaporization is vastly preferred over smoking cannabis to best preserve terpenes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s a closer look at some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis plants and the role that temperature plays in their preservation and efficacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"\"Myrcene: <\/b>Myrcene is a <\/span>monoterpene<\/span><\/a> believed to promote relaxation. It\u2019s one of the most common terpenes found across all strains of cannabis, known for its earthy, herbal aroma and clove-like flavor. Myrcene can also be found in hops, thyme, and eucalyptus. Myrcene typically evaporates at 332.6\u00b0F.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Pinene: <\/b>Pinene supports an energetic cannabis experience. As its name suggests, it\u2019s often found in pine trees as well as many varieties of cannabis. Pinene typically evaporates at 311\u00b0F.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Limonene: <\/b>Looking for an uplifting and energetic cannabis strain? Look for one high in limonene, a common cannabis terpene found widely in citrus.<\/span> Its flavors and aromas are, unsurprisingly, much like that of a lemon. Limonene typically evaporates at 348.8\u00b0F.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Linalool: <\/b>Like Myrcene, Linalool is thought to promote relaxing effects. It\u2019s abundant in lavender and is responsible for that flower\u2019s signature scent. Linalool typically evaporates at 388.4\u00b0F.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"\"Beta-Caryophyllene: <\/b>Beta-Caryophyllene is a unique terpene and is believed to interact with your body\u2019s endocannabinoid system (ECS) like phytocannabinoids in cannabis. It is also found in basil, cinnamon, and black pepper, producing a smokey, peppery aroma and spiced flavor. Beta-Caryophyllene typically evaporates at 266\u00b0F.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How Terpenes Are Preserved During Harvest And Processing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To preserve as many terpenes (and cannabinoids) as possible while harvesting, drying, and curing, cultivators must act quickly to ensure they do not miss the narrow window in which optimal potency can be preserved.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Exposure to higher temperatures, humidity, UV light, and oxygen will all take a toll on terpene content. But to go beyond terpenes 101, here\u2019s how compound preservation can be maximized during harvest and processing:<\/span><\/p>\n