By Fred Hernandez
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh organic cannabis flower, but sometimes it’s fun to experiment with flavors and aromas. Terpenes in cannabis are responsible for its wide array of aromas ranging from the pleasant fruity scents to acquired scents like earthy or even sour smelling buds. These aromatic oils interact synergistically with medicinal cannabinoids to produce unique therapeutic effects.
Adding essential oils to your favorite cannabis strains and concentrates can be a fun way to positively impact your bud’s aromatic profile, especially bud that has lost a bit of its pungent smell. In fact, essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy to elicit positive moods and even act as a supplement to certain medical conditions. Companies like True Terpenes based in Portland, Oregon specialize in extracting these terpene oils for using on your cannabis.
Add Moisture
Many cannabis users incorporate essential oils (concentrated oils found in plants) when they smoke or vape concentrates or flowers. Adding essential oils to any kind of bud can resuscitate months-old dried weed effectively. Sometimes, not-so-aromatic weed needs a little pick-me-up to cover up for taste, aroma, and harshness. All you need is one drop of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball to keep in your flower jar. Although your old dried bud will never go back to its original terpene content, adding essential oil moisture can give it a flavorful kick.
Add Flavor and Aroma
Popular essential oils to combine with cannabis include peppermint, lavender, grapefruit, rosemary, chamomile, lemongrass, and more. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil in your bong water for a minty fresh hit. Not only does the peppermint reduce the harshness of the smoke, but it also gives you a smoother hit. You can also coat the bowl of your piece or water pipe with a drop of your favorite essential oil.
Extracted Terpenes
Terpene extraction involves using a variety of methods to isolate specific terpenes from cannabis. By isolating terpenes, you can purchase them individually and add them to your cannabis plant extracts to create your own flavors or improve the ones you already have. These terpenes are mainly responsible for the uptake of cannabinoids in your body enhancing medicinal effects.
Before you start incorporating essential oils, remember that these are concentrated forms of natural plant oils. Make sure to start small and build up, never adding more than a few drops to your cannabis. Always purchase high-quality and organic essential oils to ensure you’re getting the best product possible. Integrating essential oils into your cannabis smoking or vaping experience can add flavor and aromas you never thought possible. Many companies are even incorporating essential oil blends into their tinctures to elicit unique experiences.
