Terpene-rich cannabis seeds

What are cannabis terpenes?

Terpenes are the volatile organic compounds that provide plants with both taste and aroma. They are present both in cannabis and a wide array of other plant species. Cannabis terpenes have been found to provide a relaxing effect and relieve pain though they do NOT get you high in the same way that e.g. THC gives a powerful psychoactive high.

There are dozens of different cannabis terpenes, and these can come in an infinite blend of mixtures/ratios. The terpenes build up complex layers of taste and flavour giving cannabis the rich scent that cannabis fans love. Some of the more common cannabis terpenes include myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene & pinene.

Understanding independent lab-test analysis for terpenes

Cannabis terpenes tend to get less attention than cannabinoids. But for those that adore real taste & flavour, a full terpene loading is absolutely key to a satisfying strain. The best independent labs will conduct a full terpene analysis though the costs may be > €100 for each analysis. The cost of analysis is the main reason why less established cannabis seed suppliers don’t bother publicising the terpene contents of their strains.

Note also that modern labs can identify a much wider array of cannabis terpenes today than would have been possible just a few years ago. This can make it difficult to conduct precise like-for-like comparisons between strains analysed recently vs strains that were analysed ‘back in the day’.

The total terpene content is simply a total of all the various terpenes measured in a cannabis sample. Usually, the bulk of the total terpene content comes from around 5-6 individual terpenes with minor terpenes accounting for the rest.

A high terpene content is a sign of both good genetics as well as a good harvest dry & cure. If the drying/curing is not rushed, the moisture is gradually removed in a way that preserves as many terpenes as possible. But it is worth noting that rushing your drying/curing process, using high temperatures or poor conditions will strip the precious terpenes from your buds leaving a bland, less-satisfying smoke. Sending very old buds for lab analysis will produce poor results. So will buds that have been amateurishly dried/cured.

Related:
How to harvest, dry and cure cannabis buds like a professional

With the benefit of several decades of breeding, growing and analysing their strains, Dutch Passion have broadly categorised cannabis terpenes into 5 main groups. As previously noted, growing/drying/curing conditions can significantly affect the final terpene content.

Cannabis strains with the highest total terpene content

Dutch Passion have pioneered the use of independent analytical labs to improve new strain development as well as monitor real-world results. With many years of experience, Dutch Passion take terpene content as seriously as anyone in the canna-business. Each new strain must meet mandatory standards (terpenes, cannabinoids, ease-of-growth, yield etc) to qualify for commercial release.

Blue Zushi (Kush Mints x Zkittlez) - record breaking 2.6% total terpene content!

One recent feminised seed variety which has benefitted from an extremely high terpene content is Blue Zushi. A recent lab test showed a stunning 2.6% terpenes in the cured buds - one of the highest ever seen by Dutch Passion. As well as one of the most terpy lab results ever seen, Blue Zushi also returned a rare 26% THC result.

If you’re looking to grow one of the tastiest and most potent feminised seed varieties ever then Blue Zushi comes with some of the best lab-results Dutch Passion have EVER seen!

Auto Cinderella Jack, 1.6% total terpene content!

If you prefer the ease, speed and simplicity of autoflower seed varieties then Auto Cinderella Jack delivers a slamming 1.6% terpene content alongside established 25%+ THC levels. She grows from autoflower seed to harvest in around 10-11 weeks with XL yields. Wonderful anti-anxiety effects with real old school dankness & taste.

Orange Bud 2.0, lab-verified 1.5% terpenes and 20%+ THC levels

Fans of old-fashioned fruity citrus Skunk strains will love the hard hitting 20%+ THC levels of Orange Bud 2.0 (Original Orange Bud x Mimosa). Orange Bud 2.0 feminised seeds are easy to grow with a delicious, sweet mimosa aroma that you can smell from across the street. Check out this impressive recent Orange Bud 2.0 lab report.

Related:
Top-10 cannabis seeds for a terpene taste explosion!

How to maximise the production of terpenes in cannabis

The two key factors for any grower seeking terpene-rich buds with memorable taste & pungency are selection of their cannabis seeds and the grow environment. Select genetics with a low total terpene content and they will never produce terpy buds. A well-controlled grow environment is key to optimised plant development and final harvest quality.

Those that grow the most pungent, flavoursome weed often tend to be quite meticulous about their grow conditions. Remember too, that a poor dry/cure can undermine months of hard work in the grow room:

Growing environment

To allow your cannabis plants to fully express their terpene potential it’s important to do all you can to optimise the grow environment. Even if that means considering expensive/new grow room tech such as air-conditioning, new LED grow lights, supplemental UVA/UVB lights etc.

Grow medium and nutrients

Keep your cannabis plants in the nutrient sweet-spot, free from the quality-limiting restrictions presented by over or under feeding. Aerated grow containers, such as airpots or felt sacks allow roots to grow with greater levels of root-zone oxygenation. These are highly recommended, allowing optimised root growth,

Those that struggle with the yo-yo effects of over/under feeding using bottled mineral nutrients often find it game-changing to switch to slow-release organics. BioTabs are highly recommended, meaning you only have to add water for much of the grow.

Grow lights and blue light treatment

LED grow lights are the choice of the pros when it comes to optimising your lighting. Some growers use the ‘blue light treatment’ at the end of bloom to maximise terpene production. Using adjustable wavelength growlights, the red spectrum is turned off for the last few days. The theory is that the buds are already at maximum weight and need no more red light. The application of blue-only wavelengths is thought to max-out the terpenes

Supplemental UVA & UVB grow lights to increase terpenes

Professional kitchen herb growers (Rosemary, Sage etc) routinely add supplemental UVA/UVB light to mimic the effects of powerful mediterranean/tropical sun. This allows measurably higher levels of the flavour-enhancing terpenes.

Many of the most serious cannabis growers also add supplemental UVA/UVB light to their crops. This typically involves 2-3 hours of daily plant exposure for the last 2-3 weeks of bloom. As well as helping the plant to produce more cannabinoids, the UVA/UVB helps terpene production.

Drying and curing process

A careful, skilful and controlled bud drying/curing process is essential if you are to preserve your carefully cultivated terpenes. In general, slower drying at lower temperatures is favoured when trying to maximise the terpene profile in a harvest. Rushing the dry/cure with e.g. high temperatures, excessive air flow etc is counterproductive.

Test your skills with reliable cannabis seeds

Start with the best feminised seeds/autoflower seeds and keep them under stable grow room conditions. Slowly increase light levels and nutrient concentrations as the plants grow, keeping them in the nutrient and optical sweet spot until harvest. Slow-release organic nutrients can hugely simplify matters especially for the less experienced grower.

Sometimes a grow room investment is required to allow the grower to reach new quality levels. The more expensive upgrades (LED lights, full air-con climate/humidity control) are often those that can make the biggest difference.