Which terpenes are found in USA cannabis strains?

The best USA cannabis seeds have rapidly become one of the most popular choices with cannabis growers. They stand for banging THC levels, heavy yields and, of course, loud flavours thank to their mouth-watering terpene profiles. Dutch Passion reviewed some recent laboratory analyses to find which terpenes were most commonly found in their USA strains as well as the respective concentration levels. The study produced some surprising and interesting results.

Dutch Passion’s USA cannabis strains terpene profiles

As all good quality cannabis seed suppliers and breeders should know, regular lab testing of your strains is a cost of business that simply can’t be avoided. Despite the cost (often around €100-150 or more per analysis) lab-testing delivers accurate THC & cannabinoid measurements as well as a full terpene profile. By looking through all the terpene profiles of the recently analysed USA strains, the Dutch Passion geneticists were able to produce the following graph:

Above: Graph showing the most common terpenes found in Dutch Passion USA strains and the relative prevalence.

This analysis was made from strains grown from both autoflower seeds and feminised seeds. It’s worth pointing out that Dutch Passion set the same demanding terpene profile & THC standards for their autoflower strains as they do for their photoperiod feminised strains. A good recent example is Auto Skywalker Haze, a detailed blog showing her 27% THC levels (total cannabinoid content >31%!) and a rich terpene profile is well worth reading for those keen to read more.

The most common terpenes found in USA cannabis strains were myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, humulene and Beta-Pinene. Alpha-Pinene was less abundant, as were the relatively rare Terpinolene and Alpha-Bisabolol. A deeper dive into the individual terpene picture for each strain shows numerous subtle differences in terpenes levels from one strain to the next.

Two important considerations should also be noted. Firstly, as every grower will know, different phenotypes all have their own character in terms of aroma (terpenes) and effect (cannabinoid profile). Secondly, the quality of the drying/curing process will play a huge role in the final terpene content in your cured buds. Dry/cure well and you can expect tongue-tingling terpenes that deliver memorable dankness and pungent buds that truly reek. Mess up the dry/cure and the weed will lose most of the terpenes, leaving a bland unsatisfying and eminently forgettable crop.

The most common terpenes found in USA strains

Here’s a look at the specific terpenes found in plants grown from USA cannabis seeds. Experience shows that perhaps most harvests tend to show buds with a terpene content of around 0.5%. If you can achieve 1% (or more) terpenes in the cured buds, then you are producing connoisseur quality harvests.

Beta-Myrcene

Beta-Myrcene, often simply called myrcene, is one of the more common cannabis terpenes. It’s thought to produce a particularly relaxed, sedating effect when present in high concentrations.

●    Found in 17 strains from our USA Special collection.
●    Average content: 21.46%
●    Highest content: Auto Trichome & Cream (51%)
●    Lowest content: Kerosene Krash (6.28%)

The highest myrcene levels (expressed as a percentage of the overall terpene content) were found in Auto Trichome & Cream, with myrcene accounting for 51% of the total terpenes. Auto SFV OG had myrcene levels at 31.8%, Auto Brooklyn Sunrise (30.7%) and HiFi 4G (41.9%) were the other strains that registered heavy myrcene contents.

Interestingly, three of the four highest scoring myrcene varieties were grown from autoflower seeds. Myrcene-rich cannabis strains can have a wide range of aromas depending on the specific blend of other terpenes in the profile. Strawberry Cough, for example, has myrcene levels around 20%, with an arguably fruitier flavour than many of the other high-myrcene cannabis strains.

Curiously, the strain with the lowest myrcene levels (Kerosene Krash, just 6% myrcene) is one of the most pungent of all the Dutch Passion USA strains with a penetrating chemical-diesel fuel-spill aroma.

Beta-Caryophyllene

If you have noticed a woody/spicy scent of cloves/pepper in your buds then that may well indicate high levels of beta-caryophyllene, often referred to simply as caryophyllene. This has been associated with the treatment of ulcers, pain, anxiety & depression. Stress relief is often reported to be one key effect. Caryophyllene is also found in black peppers, cloves, and cinnamon. It vaporizes at 266ºF (130ºC).

●    Found in 16 strains from our USA Special collection.
●    Average content: 24.76%
●    Highest content: Bubba Island Kush (47.10%)
●    Lowest content: Auto Lemon Kix (11.70%)

The most caryophyllene-rich strain from the Dutch Passion USA cannabis seed collection was Bubba Island Kush, with caryophyllene accounting for 47% of the total terpene content. Other caryophyllene big-hitters include Auto MAC #1 (37.9%), Meringue (33%) and Dutch Passion’s most awarded strain in recent years, the epic Kerosene Krash (31.4%).

Curiously, the strain with the lowest caryophyllene content - Auto Lemon Kix with just 11.7%, was the one with the highest levels (38%) of the rare terpinolene. The only other USA strain to show terpinolene was Auto Mimosa Punch (22%).

Limonene

Limonene, as the name suggests, is a terpene with a sweet zesty citrus scent. She is a common terpene in cannabis as well as many citrus fruits. If you enjoy growing cannabis seeds that produce citrus-scented buds, the chances are that these buds are limonene rich. Many Haze strains are limonene rich.

●    Found in 16 strains from our USA Special collection.
●    Average content: 16.25%
●    Highest content: Sugar Bomb Punch (29.50%)
●    Lowest content: Auto Mimosa Punch (6.48%)

All the cannabis plants tested showed limonene presence with an average of 16%. Variance from the average wasn’t as large as with other terpenes, though Sugar Bomb Punch (one of the most consistently potent Dutch Passion seeds) was the most limonene-rich with limonene accounting for almost 30% of the total terpene content. Kerosene Krash (25%) and Auto Daiquiri Lime (29%) were other limonene heavy weights.

Herbalists recommend limonene for those with anxiety, depression, inflammation, and pain. It is said to give a mood lift and relieve stress. Because limonene is a naturally occurring terpene, it is used to add a fresh orange citrus fragrance to many different type of household products and cleaning fluids/sprays. This includes air fresheners, kitchen/bathroom cleaning products, washing up liquids, cosmetics, shampoo etc. Anyone that loves the fresh, tangy limonene fragrance may also want to check out the Dutch Passion Orange cannabis seed collection which tend to show the highest limonene levels.

Humulene

Humulene has a woody/earthy aroma which may remind you of the rich scent of hops. It is also found in basil, coriander and cloves. Humulene was found in many, but not all, of the USA cannabis strains.

●    Found in 12 strains from our USA Special collection.
●    Average content: 11.12%
●    Highest content: Auto Mac #1 (14.70%)
●    Lowest content: Auto Kerosene Krash (6.30%)

Herbalists often recommend humulene use as an anti-inflammatory. It vaporises at 222ºF/106ºC. It is often one of the more common terpenes, found in an array of USA cannabis strains. But humulene is rarely the dominant terpene. The highest levels of humulene, representing just 14.7% of the total terpene profile, was found in Auto MAC#1.

This strain used genetics from the acclaimed Miracle Alien Cookies (‘MAC’) and delivers THC levels well over 20%. The multiple cannabis cup winner Auto Kerosene Krash reeks with epic pungency yet contained the lowest levels (6.3%) of humulene.

Beta-Pinene

With a strong scent of a woody pine, beta pinene is one of the most common terpenes in nature. Beta-Pinene is abundant in pine trees, cumin and hops as well as cannabis. It vaporises at 166ºC and for some connoisseur smokers is one of the more discernible and refreshing terpenes.

●    Found in 8 strains from our USA Special collection.
●    Average content: 7.43%
●    Highest content: Auto Daiquiri Lime (12.07%)
●    Lowest content: Auto Trichome & Cream (2.77%)

Pinene is found in many, but not all, USA cannabis strains. The highest levels of pinene were found in Auto Daiquiri Lime (12% of the total terpenes). Alpha-pinene is a closely related terpene to beta-pinene, and Auto Daiquiri Lime also has high alpha-pinene levels (21.6%). Interestingly, Auto Trichome & Cream, which had the lowest levels of beta-pinene, had no alpha-pinene at all.

Fruit-fest favourite Strawberry Cough showed beta pinene levels of 8.8% and alpha-pinene levels of 23%. Not only was this the highest level of alpha-pinene, but Strawberry Cough also had the second highest combined (alpha + beta) pinene levels which accounted for 31% of the total terpene content. Only Auto Daiquiri Lime (34%) had a higher pinene content.

All USA Special cannabis seeds terpene profiles

Each cannabis strain tested had their own unique terpene profile, with different ratios and quantities of terpenes. This created the unique aroma/flavour profile for each strain grown. The following table summarises the terpene analysis results:

Dutch Passion often find that, as growers increase in experience, so does their desire to max-out the terpene profile of their crops. It’s one of the main progressions as growers transition from ‘hobby’ growers and gain the skills to consider themselves serious quality-focussed growers.

Expert tips to maximise the terpene profile in your buds

One high-tech method claimed to boost terpene levels is the ‘blue light treatment’. Used by some pro-growers, it involves using only blue light wavelengths at the end of the grow. This typically involves LED grow lights with a user-adjustable colour spectrum for the last 3 days, or so, before harvest. Any red or white LEDs are switched off, allowing just the blue LEDs to light the crop for the last few days.

The theory (Dutch Passion don’t yet have any proof of their own) is that terpene production is boosted under blue-only light. Some growers with metal-halide lights switch to a blue-light dominant bulb for the last few days. By this stage much of the bud-weight is already established and finishing the plants under blue light shouldn’t significantly compromise yield.

There are a few other tips for grower aiming to really push the terpene loading of their crops to the hilt:

●    Keeping your plants in the nutrient and optical sweet spot from cannabis seed to harvest, whilst far easier said than done, is key to optimised plant growth and a full-bodied mouth-watering terpene profile.

●    Use of supplemental UVA/UVB lights for 2-3 hours per day for the last 2-3 weeks of bloom is also thought to boost terpene production. It’s a technique used by professional kitchen herb cultivators to grow the most fragrant herbs. UVA/UVB can also boost cannabinoids as an added benefit.

●    Growing with a quality LED is always recommended to serious growers aiming to optimise grow conditions and harvest quality.

●    Choose your cannabis seeds carefully. Competent cannabis seed companies should be able to recommend which of their strains enjoy the best aroma, taste and terpene content. Hopefully they will be able to back their claims up with some lab tests! Remember the best autoflower seeds will produce results on the same quality levels as buds grown from feminised seeds. Feel free to contact us if you require any specific advice or recommendations. The customer service team are there to help!

●    Correct drying and curing is essential if you want to retain those hard-earned terpenes. A last bit of effort to professionally dry and cure your buds under optimised conditions is time very well spent.

Whether you’re growing USA cannabis seeds or any other type, it’s often the rich terpene profile which makes the difference between a good crop and a truly historic one. Taking the time to maximise the terpene content of your buds is something the connoisseur grower takes particularly seriously. Enjoy your next grow, and if this terpene talk was interesting, you may enjoy a deeper dive into the fragrant world of cannabis terpenes: