Terpenes in Cannabis: Aromas, Chemistry, and Decarboxylation

Vocabulary flashcards covering terpenes, their chemistry, analytical methods, decarboxylation, and cannabis laboratories.

Terpenes

A group of volatile compounds responsible for cannabis aromas and flavors; can influence effects through interactions with cannabinoids (entourage effect).

Alpha pinene

A monoterpene (C10H16) found in pine trees and cannabis; contributes a piney aroma.

Beta pinene

Another monoterpene (C10H16) found in pine trees and cannabis; contributes a piney scent.

Entourage effect

Hypothesis that terpenes and other cannabis constituents work with cannabinoids to modulate overall taste, smell, and therapeutic effects.

Monoterpenes

Terpenes with molecular formula C10H16; the smallest and most common terpene class in cannabis.

Mersene

An example of a monoterpene (C10H16) mentioned in notes.

Sesquiterpenes

Terpenes with molecular formula C15H24; larger class; humulin is an example in cannabis context.

Humulin

An example of a sesquiterpene (C15H24) referenced in cannabis discussions.

Chromatography

Analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify terpenes in complex cannabis samples.

Headspace sampling

Method of capturing volatile terpenes from a sample’s surrounding air for analysis by chromatography.

Gas chromatography

Analytical technique that separates terpenes for identification and quantification; often paired with headspace sampling.

C10H16

Molecular formula for monoterpenes; many cannabis terpenes share this formula but differ in structure.

C15H24

Molecular formula for sesquiterpenes; larger terpenes in cannabis.

THCA

The dormant acidic precursor to THC in cannabis; decarboxylation converts THCA to THC.

Decarboxylation

Heating cannabis to activate cannabinoids by converting THCA to THC (and CBDA to CBD), enabling psychoactivity for edibles, etc.

THC

Psychoactive cannabinoid produced from decarboxylation of THCA; a key active constituent in cannabis products.

CBD

Cannabinoid often present alongside THC; CBD is non-psychoactive and comes from CBDA decarboxylation.

Decarb temperature range (THC-dominant)

235–245°F (113–118°C) for 30–40 minutes; oven variability may affect exact temperature; THC-dominant strains.

CBD-dominant decarb note

CBD-dominant decarb generally requires about 10°F higher temperature than THC-dominant ranges (roughly 245–255°F) due to different cannabinoid boiling points.