What Does Sesquiterpene Mean?
Sesquiterpene is one of the fragrant oils of the cannabis plant. It is considered to be one of the primary terpenes found in fresh bud oil and accounts for about seven per cent of the plant’s overall terpene makeup, but such percentages deviate widely by cannabis type and strain.
The main function of sesquiterpene is as a pheromone for the bud and flower. It attracts pollinating insects with its strong odor and repels harmful insects. The pungent scent is also believed to deter grazing herbivores.
The main difference between sesquiterpenes and other common terpenes is that sesquiterpenes contain one additional isoprene unit, which creates a total structure of 15 carbons. This key difference makes sesquiterpenes less volatile than monoterpenes.
Maximum Yield Explains Sesquiterpene
Sesquiterpene is secreted in the cannabis plant’s sticky resin glands. All terpenes of the plant contain varying levels of tetracarbonyl (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids. The terpenes have the ability to bind to the brain’s receptors and are believed to provide varying medicinal marijuana benefits.
The ability to pass the blood brain barrier is especially pronounced with sesquiterpene which researchers have discovered actually has the capacity to enter the brain tissue, unlike other terpenes. All terpenes are thought to help the receptors in the body more easily accept THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.
Terpenes contribute to not only the smell of cannabis but also the taste. Growers tailor cultivate specific strains to provide ample terpenes to appeal to cannabis connoisseurs. Various strains of cannabis have differing terpene ratios, which give the different strains their unique fragrances. Some marijuana strains smell like ripe blueberries, flowers, or fresh strawberries, but others are pungent and exhibit a strong skunk-like or diesel fuel odor.
Sesquiterpene is not unique to just the marijuana plant. It can also be found in varying levels in many herbs, fruits, and some plants.
