The Cannabis – Terpene Synergy

http://silassativarius.org/2015/03/17/the-cannabis-terpene-synergy/
When selecting among varieties of dried cannabis at a dispensary,
members will often ask to smell the particular strain for it's signature
scent. The musky smell commonly associated with the Kush family comes
from an abundance of a terpene called Myrcene, known for it's


sedative effects, also found in hops (Humulus), the only other member of
the Cannabaceae plant family. The Piney smell is Alpha-pinene (essential pine oil), known to promote alertness and memory retention. Lemoney sativa strains contain limonene, which anecdotal evidence suggests is “sunshine-y,” and is also found in, you guessed it, lemons.


(fig. 1, trichome cross section)



Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are produced alongside
cannabinoids in the rosette of cells that holds up the head of the
trichome (fig. 1). Most of the terpenes that create the many scents of
cannabis are shared among the plant kingdom. The Aug. 2011 British Journal of Pharmacology: Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine, Part 1 includes numerous articles exploring the nature of the cannabis plants' chemical dynamism. In the article “Taming THC,” scientists explored how these aromatic oils synergize and mitigate the active cannabinoids contributing to an entourage effect.

Traditional responses to cannabis induced anxiety include sniffing
pinene-rich black pepper, limonene-rich citrus, and calamus root high in
myrcene. “Cannabis terpenoids and flavonoids may also increase cerebral
blood flow, enhance cortical activity, kill respiratory pathogens, and
provide anti-inflammatory activity.” (source)
Ed Rosenthal, author of many books on cannabis, relates that the
myrcene in mangos can increase the quality of low potency cannabis when
eaten one hour before medicating. A study launched by David Watson and Robert Clarke
for Holland based research company Hortipharm found that
terpene-infused resin with 50 percent THC was more potent by dry weight
than an equivalent amount of pure THC.

Scientists have discovered that beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which is
another terpene that contributes to the aroma and flavour, also found in
other herbs, spices, and food plants, activates the CB2 receptor and
acts as a non-psychoactive anti-inflammatory. Because it binds to a
cannabinoid receptor […] and since it is an FDA approved food additive
and ingested daily with food, it is the first known dietary cannabinoid.
(source)

Terpenes break down over time, if you can smell it, you're losing it.
Some terpenes are volatile below room temperature: smaller, lighter
terpenes (monoterpenes) like myrcene and limonene evaporate faster. Bigger, heavier terpenes (sesquiterpenes) like caryophyllene don't evaporate as quickly, and represent a larger percentage of the oil after drying. (Study)
Careful handling and storage can help to prevent the breakdown of the
cannabinoids and terpenes, choose a cool, dry, dark place (out of the
reach of children and pets) to store your cannabis in a sealed
container...

https://owensmithe.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/ghchart.jpg

Leading the way on terpene identification is Green House Seed Company
in Holland who have performed spectral analysis of each of their
strains identifying 16 different terpenes. They have developed an odor wheel to help individuals decide on their strain of choice. LiftCannabis.com offers a system by which you can select your strains by the flavours.