Terpenes are the aromatic chemical compounds that give the cannabis plant its distinctive smell and flavor. They're also responsible for many of the effects and benefits of different cannabis strains, as they interact with cannabinoids and other cannabis compounds (e.g. flavonoids). Terpenes are found in the trichomes of cannabis flower, as well as in other plants, fruits, herbs, and spices.
It's worth noting that cannabis terpenes are not very stable. They can easily evaporate or degrade when exposed to heat, light, air, or time. This means that the terpene profile of your cannabis can change significantly depending on how you store, process, and consume it.
If you want to preserve any given terpene and enjoy its full potential in terms of flavors and effects, you need to pay attention to the terpene boiling point, as well as the temperature at which it evaporates.
What are the effects of terpene evaporation?
Terpene evaporation can reduce the quality and potency of your cannabis products or essential oils in several ways.
First, it can diminish the flavor and aroma of your buds, making them less enjoyable and appealing. Second, it can alter the effects and benefits of your cannabis, as different terpenes have different properties and interactions with cannabinoids.
By losing terpenes due to evaporation, you are also losing some of the unique characteristics and benefits of each cannabis strain.
For example, myrcene is a terpene that has a musky and earthy smell, and it can enhance the sedative and relaxing effects of THC. And Limonene is a terpene that has a citrusy and fresh smell, and it can boost the mood-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD.
Take Sour Kush, as an example. It is a hybrid strain that has a high level of limonene, which gives it a sour and lemony flavor and a euphoric and uplifting effect. If you expose Sour Kush to high temperatures or prolonged storage, the terpenes begin to break down, resulting in less flavorful and less potent product.
Do terpene boiling points matter?
The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gas. Different terpenes have different boiling points, depending on their molecular structure and polarity. Some terpenes have lower boiling points than others, which means they evaporate faster and easier. For example, when brewing tea, limonene should not be pushed beyond 348.8°F (176°C) to avoid the risk of it evaporating.
How to prevent terpene evaporation during decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is the process of activating the terpene content (and other cannabis compounds) in your weed by applying heat. This is necessary for making edibles, tinctures, oils, and other cannabis products that are consumed orally or topically. However, decarboxylation can also cause terpene evaporation, as the temperatures required for decarboxylation are usually higher than the boiling points of most terpenes.
To ensure terpenes remain intact during decarboxylation, you can use some of these tips:
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Use a low and slow method. Decarboxylate your cannabis at a low temperature (around 220°F or 104°C) for a longer time (around 40 minutes) instead of using a higher temperature for a shorter time.
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Use an oven bag or a mason jar. Seal your cannabis in an oven-safe bag or jar before putting it in the oven. This will trap more of its primary terpene makeup inside and prevent them from escaping into the air.
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Add water or oil to your cannabis material. Adding some moisture or fat to your cannabis can help preserve some of the terpenes by creating a protective layer around them. You can use water if you are making tinctures or oils if you are making edibles.
How to prevent terpene evaporation during vaping or smoking?
Vaping or smoking cannabis can also cause terpene evaporation, as the temperatures involved are usually much higher than the boiling points of most terpenes. For example, a typical lighter can produce a flame of around 1,832°F (1,000°C), which is way above the boiling point of any terpene.
To prevent or minimize terpene evaporation during vaping or smoking, you can use some of these tips:
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Use a low-temperature vaporizer. A vaporizer is a device that heats up cannabis to a point where it releases its cannabinoids and terpenes without burning it. A low-temperature vaporizer can allow you to enjoy the full flavor and effect of your cannabis without losing too many terpenes. You can adjust the temperature of your vaporizer according to the boiling point of your target terpene. For example, if you want to experience the piney and alerting effects of pinene, you can set your vaporizer to around 311°F (155°C).
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Use a water pipe or a bubbler. A water pipe or a bubbler is a device that filters the smoke or vapor through water before inhaling it. This can help cool down the smoke or vapor and preserve some of the terpenes that would otherwise be lost due to high temperatures. You can also add some ice cubes or cold water to your water pipe or bubbler to enhance the cooling effect.
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Grind your cannabis finely. Grinding your cannabis into small pieces can increase its surface area and expose more of its terpenes to the heat source. This can help release more terpenes into the smoke or vapor and make it more flavorful and potent.
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Inhale slowly and gently. Inhaling too fast or too hard can cause more heat and air to pass through your cannabis material, which can evaporate more terpenes. Inhaling slowly and gently can allow you to savor the flavor and effect of your cannabis without wasting too many terpenes.
Preserving Terpenes With The Proper Temperature Ranges
By following these guidelines, you can preserve the terpenes and appreciate the full potential of each cannabis strain. As Dr. Ethan Russo, a leading medical expert on cannabis, said: “Terpenoids are quite potent, and affect animal and even human behavior when inhaled from ambient air at serum levels in the single digits ng/mL−1 range."
So don’t let your terpenes go to waste. Keep track of your terpene boiling and evaporation temperatures to get the most out of their aromatic (as well as therapeutic) potential!