By Luke Sumpter


The best seed banks out there provide growers with in-depth information regarding their selection of cannabis strains. They release data concerning height, yield, and flowering time. Many companies also offer laboratory results that detail the cannabinoid profile of each strain. Accurate percentages let growers know precisely how much THC and CBD their flowers are going to contain (with some slight variation). But cannabis is more than just cannabinoids. Every strain develops a unique terpene profile that contributes to the taste, smell, and even psychoactive effect of your bud.

WHAT ABOUT TERPENES?

Up until recently, terpenes have existed under the radar. Cannabis scientists have only just realised how large of a role they play. Some terpenes even activate cannabinoid receptors! Because of their emerging significance, seed banks are inevitably going to start providing their customers with data regarding terpene profile. This will enable growers to get a much better idea of the flavour and aroma of a cultivar, as well as other data like therapeutic potential.

But how can we learn how much of each terpene is in a particular strain? This is where science comes in. Several analytical techniques exist that allow labs to determine terpene content. We’ll touch on these methods later in this article. But first, let's take a quick detour into the world of terpenes.

WHAT ARE TERPENES?

Terpenes have emerged as particularly “trendy” molecules within the cannabis world. In case you’ve missed out on this phenomenon, we’ll fill you in! Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbons. This is a fancy way of saying they are molecules that smell really, really good. They occur all throughout the plant kingdom, giving herbs and fruits their distinct aromas. The smell of pine trees, orange peels, and lavender are all the work of terpenes.

There are at least 20,000 different terpenes present in nature. The cannabis plant produces over 100 of these smelly chemicals. They’re produced by the trichomes (the same glands that produce cannabinoids such as THC) and play an essential role in plant physiology. Terpenes play a protective role and are capable of defending plants against predators, pathogens, and competitors. Although some terpenes kill insects, they are believed to produce therapeutic effects in humans. Some of these chemicals produce anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects, among others.

CHEMOVARS: A NEW CANNABIS PARADIGM

Traditionally, growers and breeders categorised different types of cannabis into cultivars (strains). These strains are placed into sativa/sativa-dominant and indica/indica-dominant groups depending on their morphology and effects.

Chromatography

Conventional wisdom states that sativa cultivars produce a more stimulating high, whereas indica varieties are more sedating. However, both of these subtypes contain THC, the active psychotropic constituent of cannabis. It’s different levels of terpenes that produce either stimulating or sedating effects. Terpene profiles are known to differ widely between strains, even those within the same subtype.

Some research has found indica strains to be higher in the sedating terpene myrcene, with sativa varieties tending to feature more complex terpene profiles higher in α-terpinolene and α-pinene. However, some sativa strains also feature myrcene as a dominant terpene. Other research has found that there are no distinct differences between the chemical composition of indica and sativa subtypes.

This has led some researchers to suggest a new type of cannabis classification. Instead of categorising different types of cannabis as cultivars, they suggest classing them as chemovars (chemical varieties). Laboratory analysis can measure the quantities of terpenes within certain chemovars, and chemotaxonomy can categorise them into different varieties.

THE WORLD OF TERPENES ISN’T BLACK AND WHITE

As you can tell, the modern understanding of cannabis chemistry is quite complicated. To make things even more confusing, leading authorities in cannabis science have even described the idea of stains as “nonsense”. They suggest that a cultivar’s genetic history won’t completely determine its chemical composition. While this isn’t too much of a big deal for home growers, it’s huge in terms of medicinal use and the pharmaceutical industry. Patients need to know the exact terpene profile of a chemovar to make sure they are going to benefit from the right set of molecules.

This is what makes terpene analysis so important. Fortunately, it’s known that terpene composition is primarily inherited, but environmental factors can also play a significant role. This means that terpene content can even vary within the same strain! The term for this is known as terpene variability. Conditions during growing, harvesting, drying, and storage can all alter terpene levels.

HOW CAN YOU CALCULATE TERPENE PROFILE?

Your seed provider might be able to give you a good idea of the dominant terpenes within a particular strain. They can determine this by looking at the major terpenes present in the genetic lineage. However, they won’t be able to tell you the exact terpene profile that will end up in your flowers. The only reliable way to do this is to send a sample off to a lab for testing. Remember, you’ll need to send flower that’s been dried, cured, and in its final form to prevent a host of variables from altering the results.

Scientists use an analytical tool known as gas chromatography (GC) to test samples for their chemical constituents. This technique can obtain accurate readings for cannabinoid and terpene content. During GC, technicians vaporize cannabis samples into a “moving phase” consisting of a carrier gas. The gas particles then pass through a “stationary phase”—a liquid or polymer housed in a glass tube called a column. As the particles move through the column, they interact with the walls.

Chromatography

Each terpene has its own retention time. This means different groups of terpenes will move through the column at different speeds, allowing scientists to separate the compounds and measure them. This allows growers to know how much of a specific terpene is present in their flowers.

DOES YOUR METHOD OF CONSUMING CANNABIS AFFECT TERPENE CONTENT?

Terpenes are volatile compounds, meaning they have a tendency to become unstable and evaporate. Monoterpenes—such as limonene and pinene—are the most unstable. In contrast, sesquiterpenes, such as caryophyllene, are slightly less volatile.

Because terpenes evaporate at relatively low temperatures, they can be lost during more primitive extraction methods and cooking. More complex extraction techniques, such as CO₂ extraction, can target and capture the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Smoking or vaping at low temperatures is a good way to maintain the terpene content in your buds. Modern vapes also have sliding temperature settings that can target the boiling points of specific terpenes.

TERPENE VARIABILITY, CONFUSION, AND SUPPLEMENTATION

It’s no secret that the topic of terpenes is quite confusing. From a recreational standpoint, terpenes can modify the texture of a high. From a medicinal perspective, they can change how a condition responds to cannabis. Either way, it’s good to know the terpene profile of your bud.

We understand that not everyone has the time or resources to send off samples to a lab. One way to combat terpene variability is to supplement with isolated terps. The terpene industry is growing fast, and many isolated products are now available.

As we continue to learn more about the characteristics and potential of terpenes in cannabis, the way strains are marketed is bound to change. Be sure to regularly check out our blog for updates on this fascinating feature of cannabis science.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: