How Do I Use Terpenes?

The study of cannabis terpenes is one of the quickest expanding fields. Learn more about terpenes, which humans have used for thousands of years, including ingesting them in meals, breathing them as essential oils, and using them topically in herbal medicine formulations.

The chemicals responsible for the aroma and flavor of various cannabis strains are gaining attention for their power in shaping users' cannabis experiences and the wide range of potential health advantages they may provide, whether used alone or in conjunction with cannabinoids. However, terpenes, and the best way to properly take them to maximize their benefits, remain largely unknown to the public consumer - and cannabis professionals. There are studies done to explore how these numerous natural components could interact with human bodies when eaten in various ways. Current cannabis science research has yet to catch up to the various novel cannabis ingestion techniques accessible on the recreational markets.

Using Terpenes

Terpenes may be found in the resin of cannabis plants and many others. They are extracted by vaporization or steam distillation. People start with the basic plant components and steam them in a distiller. Particles condense into a liquid through a tube that carries the condensation to the outside. When the fluid is purified, only pure terpene remains. These concentrated terpenes may be added to your preferred cannabis product to boost taste and facilitate the entourage effect.

Terpene Diluting

Livingston et al. (2020) suggested that you could dilute the pure terpene product before using cannabis. This is crucial for those who have never used terpenes before and have no idea their potency. There is no need for many terpenes to alter the characteristics of a cannabis extract significantly. Only two drops of pinene may impart a woodsy aroma across a room. Any scent may become overpowering if too much of it is added. You can water down the terpene concentration using oils. CBD oils are what these aromatic molecules are. Therefore, water-based liquids are not appropriate for diluting, although other oils and alcohol could be. Coconut oil, propylene glycol (PG), or polyethylene glycol (PEG) are safe bets. You may also combine olive, jojoba, hemp, and MCT oils with your desired terpene, but only up to a 1:1 ratio. According to Achotegui-Castelass et al. (2013), anyone new to using terpenes should begin with a concentration of 1 percent and never go higher than 10 percent. Warmth will aid in blending those oils, but care must be taken to prevent the mixture from becoming too black.

Moreover, the terpenes will evaporate if the temperature is too high since they each have their vaporization point. You may vape the combination as-is or combine it with distillate for a more potent high. You need to obtain a device that allows us to control the temperature you inhale to get the most out of your vaping experience.

Vaping Terpenes

Terpenes are released when they are heated, making vaping a fantastic option. However, the vaporization point for each terpene is distinct. Pinene, for instance, has a flash point of 311 degrees Fahrenheit. The flash point for myrcene is 332 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas that for limonene is 348 degrees. Perrotin-Brunel et al. (2010) revealed that  THC evaporates at a temperature of 314, whereas CBD evaporates between 320 and 356, depending on the strain. Terpenes that evaporate at a lower temperature often provide a highly effective and enlightening high. The traditional "giggling" impression is produced by substances having a boiling point between 330 and 370 degrees. Everything that begins to work between 370 and 430 degrees tends to make people drowsy and high. Lavender has a compound called linalool, which has a vaporization point of 388 degrees Fahrenheit and is an example. It informs you when a certain terpene will become active. Everything in a joint or bong burns simultaneously because of the enclosed environment. You can have the same level of nuance as we would have with a vaporizer that allows you to control the temperature. A vaporizer with various settings and no instruction on utilizing terpenes is useless. While you want to appreciate the terpenes you put to your cannabis fully, you should begin with the lowest temperature and work your way up. However, some folks may switch off their vape entirely if the initial terpene doesn't provide enough. The next time they use the vape, they turn up the temperature. You might get varying results from the cartridge during its extended lifespan. Learn more about the benefits of terpenes

Aromatherapy

According to Cox-Georgian et al. (2019), terpenes are often used for their fragrant qualities. A scented candle or aromatherapy diffuser are two examples of this. In addition to their aromatherapeutic value, these products are popular for eliminating lingering odors from homes. A reed diffuser is an easy-to-use and energy-saving alternative to plug-in models. Electric ones are wonderful for bigger places because of the strong scent they release. You may achieve a state of quiet and relaxation with lavender terpene oils or a state of vigor and vitality with limonene-containing citrus oils. Learn more about what are cbd terpenes

Why Use Terpenes

The issue of why terpenes are used at all remains unanswered. These oils are very potent and have been used for centuries for aromatherapy or for treating emotional and physical distress. They aid in stress reduction by, among other things, inducing drowsiness and general calmness in the user. You must understand how each one functions to get the most out of terpenes. Their varied aromas and effects directly result from their wide range of compositions. Exploring the whole spectrum of terpenes generated from cannabis will help you choose which ones are best for your specific requirements.

Conclusion

Terpenes provide access to a new world, yet it is not without its restrictions. The first consideration while working with pure terpene is that they are not meant to be used to their maximum potential. This is a potentially fatal situation. Before being used in any product, edible, topical, or for smoking, food-grade terpenes must be diluted. Pure terpenes may burn if they come into touch with bare skin. Throw them far from your sight. You can start with a 3% concentration of cannabis terpenes in your hemp oil and increase it by 0.5 % at a time until you get your desired effect. When used with herbs, terpenes should be avoided since they are insoluble in water. Terpenes may be found in a broad range of forms. They may be used topically or inhaled aromatically, among other applications. This article helps you narrow your options to only the most common terpenes and give you a better grasp of their applications.

References

Achotegui-Castells, A., Llusia, J., Hódar, J. A., & Penuelas, J. (2013). Needle Terpene Concentrations And Emissions Of Two Coexisting Subspecies Of Scots Pine Attacked By The Pine Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa). Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 35(10), 3047-3058.

Cox-Georgian, D., Ramadoss, N., Dona, C., & Basu, C. (2019). Therapeutic And Medicinal Uses Of Terpenes. In Medicinal Plants (Pp. 333-359). Springer, Cham.

Livingston, S. J., Quilichini, T. D., Booth, J. K., Wong, D. C., Rensing, K. H., Laflamme-Yonkman, J., ... & Samuels, A. L. (2020). Cannabis Glandular Trichomes Alter Morphology And Metabolite Content During Flower Maturation. The Plant Journal, 101(1), 37-56.

Perrotin-Brunel, H., Van Roosmalen, M. J., Kroon, M. C., Van Spronsen, J., Witkamp, G. J., & Peters, C. J. (2010). Solubility Of Cannabinol In Supercritical Carbon Dioxide. Journal Of Chemical & Engineering Data, 55(9), 3704-3707.