Let’s Talk Terpene Boiling Points and Why It Matters

Terpenes are a powerful, potent part of the cannabis plant that gives the plant its unique taste, smell, and effects. Terpene profiles help to determine what cannabis will taste like. For example, if you have ever smoked a strain of cannabis that made you feel like you were just hit in the nose, you might have got a hold of a strain rich in beta-caryophyllene.  This terpene tends to be responsible for that punch in the nose feeling. It is the dominant terpene found in black pepper, hence the peppery kick to the face when you smoke it. Let’s explore what terpenes are and why temperature matters. 

A Little Insight into Various Terpenes in Cannabis

Beta-caryophyllene is but one of many terpenes found in cannabis. When we consume cannabis, there are different ways terpenes may play a pivotal role in the effects achieved. A great example of this can be found in the above-mentioned terpene, beta-caryophyllene. Per research published on the Drug Development and Delivery website, researchers have determined that “β-caryophyllene was identified as a functional non-psychoactive CB2 receptor ligand and as an anti-inflammatory cannabinoid in cannabis. As a selective agonist of cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2), caryophyllene has been shown to exert significant cannabimimetic anti-inflammatory effects.”

In short, this shows that beta-caryophyllene has a binding affinity to CB2 receptors allowing for it to work as an anti-inflammatory. THC and CBD are also both shown to hold this therapeutic aspect as well. So, a strain rich in THC, CBD, and beta-caryophyllene could potentially hold more therapeutic relief in terms of anti-inflammatory benefits.

Myrcene is another prevalent terpene. It is found in cannabis strains such as Somango and Guava. This terpene is also very heavily found in fresh mangoes. This has led to the increased popularity of eating fresh mangoes before, during, and after consuming cannabis. Many people believe that myrcene increases the intensity and longevity of the effects of cannabis.

Regardless of the potential terpene effects eating fruits is a great idea when consuming cannabis as they are rich in hydration. If you want to get the most out of your cannabis consumption, then take the advice of Dr. Uma Dhanabalan and hydrate before, during, and after you medicate.

Terpene Boiling Points and Why They Matter

Terpenes could play a very important role in how cannabis affects a consumer. Heating your cannabis up to hot not only potentially burns off essential cannabinoids it also can cook off those tasty beneficial terps. If you’re not careful, you could end up cooking off most of if not all, of your valuable terpenes. This is because, just like cannabinoids have boiling points, terpenes do too. Let’s explore some of the common terpenes found in cannabis, their potential benefits, and what their boiling points are.

How You Consume Plays a Big Role

When you consume cannabis, different methods of delivery will play an essential role in your terpene intake. Terpenes have been shown to have a binding affinity to cannabinoid receptors. Some studies suggest that terpenes help to determine how much of a specific cannabinoid is absorbed by receptors. This means that a strain of cannabis rich in terpenes could potentially be more or less effective depending on the individual versus the same strain lacking in a rich terpene profile. 

Terpenes mean taste too. When you start to learn what terpenes you like, you may just find yourself shopping for cannabis-based on these results rather than focusing on THC and CBD profiles. If you smoke joints, pipes, blunts, or bongs, you may want to play around with your method of consumption. Roll smaller joints and blunts so that they don’t burn as hot. Try lighting bowls and bongs on the side instead of setting fire to the entire bowl at once. If you enjoy cannabis concentrates and haven’t tried a cold start dab, you are missing out on something special when it comes to truly experiencing terpenes.

Instead of heating your banger to well over 1000°F and letting it cool to an estimated 400-600°F and dabbing, try a cold start dab. In this process, you slowly heat the concentrates just to the point of melting. Using an excellent multidirectional carb cap, you can experience one of the tastiest hits of cannabis concentrates you have ever tried. Many people find that the taste isn’t the only thing that is amazing; the effects are too. An e-nail is also another great way to control the temperature at which you consume concentrates, helping to preserve terpenes and cannabinoid profiles.

Are you a connoisseur of terpenes? Tell us about your favorites in the comments below!