In this article I want to tell you about our new partnership with TerpAlchemy and their incredible line of Terpene Oils, now available at Woodies. I will also give you an introduction on Terpenes and their main characteristics.

Woodies & TerpAlchemy

Terpenes can be found in cannabis as well as in countless other plant species. Terpene rich essential oils have been historically produced from leaves, flowering herbs, flowers, wood, bark, resin, berries, fruits, roots, seeds, moss and lichens. Terpenes are also common ingredients contained in foods that are already part of the human diet. They have generally been recognised as safe to consume by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Woodies is partnering with TerpAlchemy to offer a new incredible selection of terpene essential oils, the perfect way to enhance your CBD experience with natural and authentic cannabis flavours.

TerpAlchemy’s pure terpene essential oils are reliably sourced, organic and produced through chemical-free steam distillation to extract more than 100 components from farm-sourced cannabis plants. The extraction process follows traditional steam distillation techniques, perfected in ancient Persia over 3000 years ago, in order to create the highest quality, intensity and variety of natural terpenes.

Rigorous testing is done to identify every compound and ensure that each drop is free of THC or pesticides.

TerpAlchemy strain menu changes according to the seasons.

Terpenes and Cannabis

But what are Terpenes?

Terpenes are hydrocarbons (organic oily compounds made of carbon + hydrogen) contained in the cannabis plant as well as in many other plant species such as fruits, herbs, flowers and spices. They are commonly used for flavouring and fragrances and in some healing practices such as aromatherapy. In cannabis, they are concentrated in the plant’s flowers and their production can be increased through light exposure. Terpenes are responsible for the different cannabis aromas and they can help identify the various strains and their associated physiological effects. They also protect the plant from the attacks of bacteria, fungus and insects.

Over 200 terpenes have been found in the cannabis plant and, while medical marijuana strains can vary greatly depending on the source or harvest, most studies tend to agree in associating the main identified smells with specific cannabinoid effects. Some of these pairings include: musk or clove aromas are associated with relaxation; varieties that smell of pine commonly indicate beneficial properties for mental alertness and memory; lemony fragrances are generally believed to be found in uplifting and energising strains.

A study by Green House Seed Company developed a flavour wheel which helps to visually classify the existing cannabis terpenes and match them with the different strains of medical marijuana. This system can be used to help users identify the best strain for their desired effects.

The most common terpene found in cannabis today is called Myrcene: its aroma has been described as musky, earthy and herbal (similar to cloves). It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and to be beneficial for the treatment of insomnia and pain.

Main Terpenes Benefits

More scientific research is needed to accurately describe terpenes and their effects and whether they can help treat health conditions. Existing studies have shown some of their benefits, based on the entourage effect of cannabis. The entourage effect indicates the ability of the different cannabis compounds to interact synergistically. Because of this property, terpenes can contribute to enhancing the therapeutic benefits of medicinal marijuana by interacting with its other components (ie cannabinoids). Some of these benefits can include:

• Acting as serotonin uptake inhibitors (with a similar principle as antidepressants), this helps stabilise our mood, feelings of wellbeing and happiness.
• Enhancing norepinephrine, a natural chemical released in our blood which helps the brain deal with stress. Its deficit can cause depression and hypotension.
• Increasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter. These play a key role in how we feel pleasure and in our ability to think and plan.
• Terpenes are also believed to help cannabinoids in increasing blood flow and eliminating respiratory pathogens. This while enhancing their positive effects on pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy as well as fungal and bacterial infections.

If you enjoyed the article and found it useful, please go ahead and share! Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions and I or one of my team will get back to you. If you would like to try our new collection of Terpene Oils click here.

Jx

Jamie Wood, Founder & CEO
@jwoody74

Disclaimer

→ This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any ailment, illness or disease.