How to increase terpene content in cannabis?
Terpenes are organic compounds found in various plants, including hemp. They are responsible for the aroma, taste, and therapeutic effects of the plant. Increasing terpene levels in hemp plants can significantly impact the quality of the final product, so today we'll present a few tips to ensure their increase.
Why are terpenes important?
Terpenes create an entourage effect with cannabinoids and flavonoids, resulting in the synthesis of all substances' effectiveness. Additionally, terpenes are largely contained in hemp resin, so if you're growing cannabis to produce a product, you should know that taste and potential texture will be influenced by this.
Another interesting fact is that hemp protects itself from herbivores and pests with its terpenes. Some animals may not like the terpene smell, naturally repelling them. Trichomes influence terpene production, so we should primarily aim to increase these glands.
Terpenes can be found in every plant and fruit
1. Choose a Strain with the Right Genetics
The first step in increasing terpenes in hemp plants is selecting a strain with high terpene content. Even if you try your best, it won't help if your cannabis doesn't have genetics built for sufficient terpene levels. Some strains naturally have higher terpene content than others. So choose your hemp seeds carefully.
2. Quality Soil
Among various growing media, soil with adequate pH level and alkalinity is most recommended. The significance of pH can be read in a previous article. The so-called terroir also plays a significant role, describing how the resulting hemp reflects the different soils in the regions where it was grown.
3. Use Stress to Your Advantage
We previously discussed low-stress training for hemp, which under certain conditions brings high advantages. Stress can be a useful tool for increasing terpenes in hemp plants. You can apply low-stress training, which represents a milder method, or try more drastic methods like low temperatures, high humidity, nutrient deficiency, and physical damage.
4. Proper Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in hemp plant growth. Using the right light spectrum can increase terpene production. LED lights with high red wavelength are recommended to increase terpene production in hemp plants.
Optimal light supply increases terpene content in hemp
5. Temperature Regulation
Temperature plays a key role in terpene production. Hemp plants are sensitive to temperature changes and can produce more terpenes at lower temperatures. However, temperature reduction should occur gradually, about 5°C per week. Maintaining temperatures between 20-25°C during the flowering phase can increase terpene production.
6. Nutrient Balance
A well-balanced nutritional profile is essential for healthy hemp plant growth and development. Adding beneficial microbes like mycorrhizal fungi to the soil can increase terpene production. Bacteria are also an integral part of increasing terpenes as probiotics and microbiome for hemp. You can add lactic acid bacteria to change sugar levels to fatty acids. You can also add the following:
- Molasses
- Amino acids
- Seaweed extracts
7. Defoliation
Defoliation means pruning young hemp leaves during growth. It's one of the most popular and common methods of increasing terpenes. However, be careful not to trim too large a portion, as this would have the opposite effect.
8. Harvest Timing
Harvest timing is crucial for maximizing terpene production. Terpenes peak just before the plant reaches maturity. Too early or too late harvesting can lead to reduced terpene levels in the final product.
If none of the previously mentioned techniques appeal to you, you can try these:
- Watering hemp with ice in the final growth stages
- Reducing humidity to 30%
- Splitting the main stem into two parts in the last flowering days
- Reducing CO2 levels
In conclusion, increasing terpenes in hemp plants can significantly impact the quality of the entire hemp. It's never too late to experiment, so why not try increasing terpene content?