How to Boost Your Terpenes

When growing cannabis, the terpene profile is just as crucial as the cannabinoid percentage. Terpenes are aromatic oils that give plants their unique smell and flavour. Not only do they make your weed taste better, but they also have many potential benefits like pain relief, stress reduction, and more.

With terpenes offering so many benefits, it’s no wonder why growers are looking for ways to increase the terpene content in their buds. While some strains are naturally high in terpenes, there are many ways to boost the terpene levels in any cannabis plant.

This article will go over how to boost your terpenes and maintain them throughout your plant’s growth cycle.

What Is a Terpene’s Role in Nature?

Terpenes are aromatic oils produced by many plants, not just cannabis. They play an essential role in a plant’s life cycle as they help to protect the plant from predators and pests.

They are also used to attract different insects and animals who help spread the plant’s seeds or offer additional protection. In short, terpenes are essential for a plant’s survival in the wild.

While cannabis plants don’t need to worry about predators or pests as much anymore, they still produce terpenes to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How Are Terpenes Produced in the Cannabis Plant?

Cannabis plants produce terpenes in their trichomes, which are tiny, hair-like structures covering the plant’s surface. The majority of terpenes are found in the resin produced by the trichomes, which also contain cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are molecules that offer many of the medicinal benefits of cannabis. While terpenes can amplify these effects, they also provide effects of their own and are responsible for the plant’s unique flavour and smell.

To produce terpenes, a plant will use a variety of enzymes to break down different molecules. These molecules are then turned into terpenes through a process called biosynthesis.

4 Ways to Increase Terpenes

Now that we know more about terpenes, let’s talk about how to increase their levels in your cannabis plants.

Here are four tips for increasing the terpene content of your buds:

1. Handle Your Plants with Care

One of the easiest ways to increase a plant’s terpene content is to simply handle them with care. When touching, transporting, or trimming your plants, try to be as gentle as possible.

Rough handling can damage the delicate trichomes and release their precious resin. This resin is what contains the plant’s terpenes, so you want to be sure to keep it intact.

In addition to being careful with your plants, it’s also important to use the proper tools. For example, when trimming your plant, be sure to use the right utensils. This will help prevent you from crushing the trichomes and losing out on precious terpenes. 

2. Use a Broad UV Spectrum

In a recent 2021 study, researchers discovered the intensity and spectrum of light could significantly affect terpene production in cannabis plants.

For this reason, try using a grow light that emits a broad UV spectrum. This type of light will help to ensure your plants are getting the right mix of wavelengths, encouraging them to produce more terpenes.

In addition to using the correct type of light, you’ll also want to make sure your plants are getting enough light. The intensity of light exposure is just as important as the spectrum for terpene production.

To get the most out of your grow light, place it at a safe distance from your plants. This will help to ensure they are getting enough light, without being overexposed. Overexposure can actually damage the trichomes and reduce the overall terpene content of your plants.

3. Lightly Stress Your Plants

While too much stress can be harmful to your plants, some stress can be beneficial. This is because stress can trigger the release of terpenes in cannabis plants. Don’t use too much force, as this can damage the delicate trichomes.

To lightly stress your plants, you can try adjusting the temperature and humidity levels. However, check them frequently and don’t let them get too dry, as this can cause irreversible damage.

4. Use Soil

One of the best ways to increase the terpene content of your plants is to use soil instead of hydroponics when growing. This is because soil contains a variety of microbes and nutrients that can help encourage terpene production.

In addition to using soil, you’ll also want to make sure your plants are getting enough light and water.

How to Preserve Your Terpenes After Harvest

Now that you know how to increase the terpene content of your plants, let’s talk about how to preserve those precious terpenes after harvest.

The first step is to cure your buds properly. This will help improve the flavour and smell of your buds while also preserving their terpene content.

To cure your buds, you’ll need to dry them slowly and at a low temperature. Hang them in a dark, cool room with good airflow.

Once your buds are dry, you’ll want to store them in an airtight container. This will help keep the terpenes from evaporating and preserve the quality of your buds. If left exposed, the terpenes in your buds will eventually dissipate, leaving you with bland cannabis lacking flavour, smell, and efficacy.

Infusing Additional Terpenes

If you want to maximize your cannabis experience, you can infuse your buds or concentrates with additional, carefully selected terpenes. You are able to do this by adding a few drops of CannTerp liquid terpenes to your cannabis extract or try our terpene infusion pearls to rescue/enhance your dried cannabis flower.

Our unique BudBooster pearls infuse your desired terpene profile into dried cannabis buds. Doing this helps with moisture and enhances the flavour, scent, and effectiveness of your cannabis.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to boosting your terpenes, there are various methods you can use. Just be sure to experiment and find what works best for you and your plants. With a little upkeep and effort, you can upgrade your cannabis and terpene content, resulting in a more potent, flavourful, and aromatic product.

Now that you know how to increase the terpene content of your plants, put these tips to good use!

Are you interested in trying terpene isolates and infusions? At CannTerp, we offer a variety of terpene-rich products designed to elevate your cannabis experience. Check out our website and product selection for more information about terpenes and our unique terpene accessories!