How do terpenes affect the effects of a cannabis variety?

When we hear the word terpene, the first idea that comes to mind is the smell of a plant. Yet scientific research has shown that terpenes have more than just a sensory function. Terpenes produce specific effects on the body, whether anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, relaxing or anxiolytic.

This is also why some varieties provide a sense of calm and well-being, while others promote energy. Terpenes are thus completely integrated into the’entourage effect, which assumes that the components of cannabis are more effective together than separately.

Paradise Seeds compared two specific strains, Spoetnik #1, an original old-school variety and one of Paradise Seeds' first, and Wappa, a more recent and much sought-after variety. and detailed each plant's dominant terpenes and their specific effects.

The Spoetnik #1

The Spoetnik #1 is an old-school Paradise Seeds strain, extremely resinous, and described as «a red grape-flavoured version of Sensi Star». It offers a combination of uplift and relaxation that also makes it a favourite with medical users.

The primary terpene in Spoetnik #1 is terpinolene, known as a powerful relaxant. Its scent is more multidimensional than other terpenes.

The second most common terpene is caryophellene, a spicy terpene with anti-stress qualities associated with pain relief.

The tertiary terpene in Spoetnik #1 is beta-pinene, renowned for its anti-inflammatory effects, and known to increase concentration.

The combination of these three terpenes thus provides scientific evidence to support the anecdotal description of the effects of Spoetnik #1.

Odor

Grape / Metallic / Earthy

Percentage of terpenes in Spoetnik #1

TERPINOLENE 0.18
CARYOPHYLLENE 0.11
BETA PINENE 0.06
LIMONENE 0.06
ALPHA PINENE 0.04
MYRCENE 0.3
TERPINEOL 0.02
LINALOOL 0.01

La Wappa

In addition to its juicy, fruity aromas, Wappa is characterized by a feeling of active relaxation, an indica for the day. Wappa's terpene profile may well explain this effect.

The dominant terpene in Wappa is myrcene. In terms of smell and taste, it comes from the spicy, earthy end of the spectrum. It is also known to have inherent stress-relieving qualities.

It's a characteristic that continues through the secondary and tertiary terpenes present in the Wappa plant. Carophyllene, another spicy terpene also found in hops, rosemary and cloves, and linalool, the distinctive sweet, floral terpene of cannabis scent, are both associated with anti-stress and anxiety properties. Interestingly, carophyllene has been shown to bind to endocannabinoid receptors in the body, just like the more common phytocannabinoids CBD and THC.

Odor

Sweet / Skunk / Strawberry

Terpene percentages: Wappa

MYRCENE 0.54
CARYOPHYLLENE 0.17
LINALOOL 0.09
ALPHA PINENE 0.09
BETA PINENE 0.05
LIMONENE 0.04
TERPINEOL 0.02
TERPINOLENE 0.01

Terpenes or the search for meaning

These terpene results are a good indicator of the characteristics of these two varieties. It should be pointed out, however, that a number of variable factors need to be taken into account. A key factor in terpene production is temperature control. Increased heat leads to terpene production. With this in mind, the range of terpenes produced by a plant can vary as a result of growing conditions. As a result, there may be variations in smell and taste between indoor and outdoor crops.

Although terpenes are all the rage, it's important to recognize that people have been exploiting their therapeutic effects for many years. A recent study by Journal of Toxicological Research, for example, has highlighted the positive health effects of the terpenes that accompany the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku or «forest bath».

In the future, examining the terpene profile of different cannabis varieties could help to select the right varieties for specific pathologies or desired effects.