
How To Use Cannabis Derived Terpenes
, by Vivimu Blog, 8 min reading time
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, by Vivimu Blog, 8 min reading time
Do you want to possibly recreate your favorite cannabis strain or maybe you are seeking the benefits of a certain terpene, we will go over how to utilize your new Vivimu terpenes to perfection. Terpenes which are also called terpenoids constitute the largest and diverse group of naturally occurring aromatic compounds and they are produced primarily in plants. The taste and smell of fruit and flowers are dependent upon the terpene concentration found in individual plant species. For example that tart citrus smell from lemons, limes and oranges among many is due to limonene. Another terpene commonly found in cannabis is myrcene, which is also found in mangos. Cannabis stands out among the plant kingdom in that it can include any of 400 known terpenes to be found naturally in the plant. The combinations of terpenes that are found in each cannabis strain are what give it a distinct smell and taste that cannot be reproduced adequately outside the plant.
Cannabis has been domesticated and spread across the planet in the past 10,000 years. This process has produced complex and unique terpene mixtures that are unique to each cannabis strain. There are approximately 400 known terpenes found in cannabis, many of these may be included in a certain strain. Research has shown that a strain may have anywhere from 20-50 different terpenes included. Although many of these terpenes are very small percentage-wise, these minor terpenes can only be found directly from the plant in CDT’s. Many if not most of the vendors who sell terpenes sell BDTs in which they are extracted from plants other than cannabis. Cannabis derived terpenes like those offered at Vivimu.com are superior in every measure against BDT’s.
Do terpenes offer more than recreating the taste and smell of your favorite claim? There is some evidence that this may be the case. Some terpenes on their own have proven to show activity at endocannabinoid receptors, one example beta-caryophyllene, a very common terpene found in cannabis. Beta-caryophyllene has been found to treat depression by acting as a CB2 receptor agonist. Humulene another common terpene found in cannabis and hops, has been found to be important tools for the management and/or treatment of inflammatory diseases. The investigation into the possible medical benefits of terpenes is by no means comprehensive and new research is constantly being published. Upon investigation you will also find that most terpenes have anti-viral or anti-bacterial properties, as this is a reason plants produce them in the first place. It is best practice to check C.O.A. test results for each terpene to find the specific terpenes found in that strain if you are looking for terpenes by their specific benefits or the flavor experience that combination may provide.
A case study can be done for the cannabis Runtz strain to provide an example. A certificate of analysis was found for a Runtz at a Florida dispensary. The cannabinoids present are THCA/THC (18%), CBDA (.07%) and CBGA/CBG (.25%) as well as a range of terpenes with Beta-caryophyllene and Alpha-humulene as two examples out of up to 15 different terpenes in the sample. The actual number of terpenes can number many more but typically around 20 are actually tested for. This means that there are a number of other terpenes present for which are not reflected in laboratory analysis. The wide array of terpenes in a strain is very difficult to reproduce due to these numerous other terpenes although typically they have very small percentages. There really is nothing like cannabis derived terpenes to get the full flavor and effects of your favorite strains. So in this example to try to reproduce the Runtz strain you would add in the ratio 18:.07:.25 for THC, CBDA and CBGA/CBG in addition with Runtz cannabis derived terpenes you now have the closest possible reproduction to the original strain.
Now that you have decided to try and reproduce your favorite strain, you purchase your cannabinoids and desired cannabinoids. Typically ideal mixes that are used in vape cartridges have a terpene percentage of anywhere from 4-7% terpenes, where 5% can be a good starting point. The process of mixing involves first heating the cannabinoids up to around 160 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature even most solid isolates will turn into a liquid form but also low enough that no cannabinoids or terpenes will boil off. Once your cannabinoids are in a liquid heated state, you add terpenes in the amount calculated to achieve the percentage you desire. An example if you were making 10 ml of distillate and wanted 5% terpenes, you would add 0.5 ml of terpenes to 9.5 ml of cannabinoids. The key is very thorough mixing after introduction of the terpenes trying to be careful the temperature does not exceed much past 160. Often the use of magnetic stirrers can really speed this process alone. Once the terpenes are mixed in you are now ready to fill your favorite cartridge or pod and enjoy your favorite strain.
Typically mixes for dabbing have a slightly lower terpene percentage, with a typical amount being 3% but can range from 1-3%. It can get a little trickier with dab mixes, because if you have solids like diamonds in the mix, you may not want to have them melt. In this case typically the terpenes are stirred in by hand diligently and although the mixing may not be as thorough, let it sit and a day or two later the terpenes “seep” making it more evenly distributed throughout the mix. Once you get the percentages dialed in to your likes, you will find mixing your own dabs, a rewarding and tasty experience.
The benefits and taste of terpenes can be easily added to your tincture for an authentic taste. Do not exceed 1% terpenes by percentage with tinctures, if you do, it can make the terpene taste overwhelming and lessen the experience. Tinctures are really easy to make and mix. A common tincture base is MCT (coconut) oil. You heat the oil up to 160 degrees just like the distillate, add any cannabinoids you have determined should be included and lastly add the terpenes. Once thoroughly mixed, it can be cooled and used immediately.
Vivimu is again setting the standard in the cannabinoid marketplace by offering real Cannabis derived terpenes for the first time. These are authentic terpenes extracted from some favorite cannabis strains, offering the full-spectrum of terpenes only cannabis can provide. Vivimu has a wide range of strains that sure to match everyone’s palate. One example is San Fernando Valley OG (SFV OG), a classic old school strain with a profile described as aromatic notes of earthy pine and lemon. Another favorite strain Vivimu now has offered is Runtz. It is loved for it’s incredibly candy fruity flavor profile. If you prefer an indicant dominant strain type Vivimu has Sunset Sherbet available. Its flavor profile is described as being sweet and dessert-like with notes of skunky citrus, sweet berry, and candy.
One of the most important decisions in purchasing terpenes is where can I purchase terpenes that are safe, effective and at a fair price? When considering possible vendors for purchasing terpenes it is very important to read where the terpenes originated. If they are CDT’s, the description will clearly state that terpenes are extracted from cannabis like Vivimu.com. While CDTs are often more costly then BDTs, the price difference is always worth it. Vendors who sell BDTs will often not clearly state where the terpenes originated from. Try to avoid vendors known for questionable products and give misleading information in products description. Once you have narrowed down to your favorite strains always ensure there is a 3rd party C.O.A. or lab results available. These reports will give you all the information needed to make a fair assessment on the quality of the product. For all terpenes you want to ensure it contains less than 0.03% D9 THC and ensure that solvents and heavy metals were tested for in the test results with none detected.
The bottom line is that CDTs can bring an authentic cannabis experience with the robust full spectrum taste that can only come from real cannabis. Adding terpenes to your favorite cannabinoid products is relatively easy. Depending on the preferred method of intake of your cannabinoids will determine what terpene percentage will go best. For example a 5% distillate mix would be perfect while a 1% distillate would not have much taste at all. Anyone who handles terpenes in concentrated form needs to very careful and insure you familiarize yourself with safety precautions when handling terpenes. Terpenes in their concentrated form are very flammable and can soak directly into your skin possibly causing adverse conditions, while terpenes diluted to 5% are benign. NEVER use terpenes in any manner in their concentrated form without mixing. CDTs can offer more than the flavor and experience with many terpenes offering additional medical benefits. Get your favorite cannabis strain terpenes while they last at Vivimu, once a strain is sold out there is no guarantee it will be restocked.