Terpens in resin

Aqua Lab Tech

Well-Known Member
TERPENS IN RESIN

Cannabis is seen by many as a medicine or a recreational drug, but the more subtle aspect of it being an aromatic plant goes too often unnoticed. The herbs we use in our kitchen are considered aromatic plants because they contain a particular terpene profile that gives a distinctive flavor. Cannabis is so complex from this point of view that the possible combinations are endless, creating a broad spectrum of aromas and flavors that differ with the strains and the way they are cultivated.

To give you an idea of what a terpene is, a quick look at Wikipedia reveals what follows:

The word terpenes defines a large and varied class of hydrocarbons, produced primarily by plants (conifers and cannabis) and more rarely by insects. Terpens are the major components of resin, and of oils and extracts produced from resin. The name "terpene" is derived from the word "turpentine". Terpenes function as smell and taste molecules, and also as biosynthetic building blocks for the organism of almost all creatures. Terpenes are one of the most important components of the resin and essential oils of many types of plants and flowers.

Enough with the science. Let’s see how these terpens are affecting cannabis in the process of breeding on flavor.

The list of 16 terpens is a selection of the most carachteristic and recognizable ones, the ones involved in the distinctive flavor of any strain of cannabis. A few example:

Alpha-Pinene is an organic compound, found in the oils of many species of many species of pine trees. It is also found in the essential oil of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). 2 types of Alpha-pinene exist in nature, one more common in European pines, the other more common in North America. A mix of the two is present in the oil extracted from the eucalyptus tree. So if you like pine-tree smelling and tasting weed, think of growing this strain, or use it for crossings.

Limonene is a hydrocarbon, classified as a cyclic terpene. It is a colourless liquid at room temperatures with an extremely strong smell of oranges. It takes its name from the lemon because lemon and other citrus fruits contain high quantities of this compound, which is responsible for much of their smell.

Sabinene is a natural monoterpene and it is isolated from the essential oils of a variety of plants, mostly oak trees. Sabinene is one of the chemical compounds that contributes to the spiciness of black pepper and is a major constituent of carrot seed oil. It also occurs in tea tree oil at a low concentration.

Myrcene, or β-myrcene,
is also an organic compound. It is classified as a hydrocarbon and a monoterpene. It is obtained from the essential oil from various plants: bay, verbena, myrcia (from which is gets its name) and others. Myrcene is one of the most important chemicals used in the perfumery industry. Because of its pleasant odor, it is occasionally used directly. But it is also highly valued as an intermediate for the preparation of flavor and fragrance chemicals such as menthol, citronella, and geraniol.

Many more terpenes are present in the resin and analyzed, and this represent a guide, a useful tool for a more mature type of smoker, conscious about flavor, and for all breeders interested in following a particular aroma in their lines.

(This information is from GHSC)

Aqua Lab Tech
 
So am I correct in thinking that you are suggesting grower's analyze resin to find out and identify the terpenes within certain strains to help determine the flavors they want in the strains they will produce?

Once analyzed, is this something that can be used to modify the terpenes? Could you feed certain chemicals or nutrients that could help produce different terpenes than would normally be found in a strain? Let's say you have a favorite tasting smoke like for me I like blues (like the flavor of most Blueberry X __ , Blue Dream or Blue Dragon) but these would not be strains that I would consider a favorite high (some yes some no) like say OG, I like the taste of OG but if I could have an uplifting high that could turn couchlock at any time like OG with the taste of a Blueberry or Blue Dream mmmm....
 
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