Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in various plants, including fruits, herbs, and cannabis. They are responsible for the distinct scents and flavors associated with these plants. Understanding how to calculate terpene percentages from laboratory data is useful for consumers and producers to assess product quality and characteristics.
What Are Terpenes and Why Measure Them?
Terpenes are organic compounds that give many plants their unique aromas and flavors, ranging from the citrusy scent of limonene to the earthy notes of myrcene. For consumers, these compounds significantly contribute to a product’s sensory experience, influencing its smell and taste.
Measuring terpene percentages provides insights into a product’s aroma profile and can help anticipate its potential effects. While terpenes do not cause a “high” on their own, they are thought to interact with other compounds, such as cannabinoids, to modulate the overall experience. This synergistic interaction, sometimes called the “entourage effect,” means that the presence and ratios of different terpenes can influence how a product affects an individual.
Understanding Terpene Lab Reports
Terpene percentages are obtained from third-party laboratory test results, typically presented in a Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA is a comprehensive report detailing a product’s chemical composition, including cannabinoid and terpene profiles. These reports are crucial for transparency and ensuring product quality and safety.
On a COA, terpene concentrations might be listed in different units, such as milligrams per gram (mg/g), parts per million (ppm), or directly as a percentage (%). For instance, a report might show myrcene at 15 mg/g or 1.5%. COAs will list each specific terpene and its measured concentration.
Step-by-Step Terpene Percentage Calculation
Calculating terpene percentages involves converting reported measurements into a consistent percentage format. If a lab report provides terpene content in mg/g, you can convert this to a percentage by moving the decimal point one place to the left (e.g., 15 mg/g is 1.5%).
To find the individual percentage of a terpene when given in mg/g, divide the mg/g value by 10. For instance, if a COA lists 12 mg/g of limonene, the calculation is 12 mg/g / 10 = 1.2% limonene. If the report provides the terpene amount in parts per million (ppm), convert it to a percentage by dividing the ppm value by 10,000. For example, 500 ppm equals 0.05%.
To determine the total terpene percentage of a product, sum the individual percentages of all detected terpenes. For example, if a product contains 1.2% Limonene, 0.8% Myrcene, and 0.5% Caryophyllene, the total terpene percentage is 1.2% + 0.8% + 0.5% = 2.5%.
Making Sense of Your Terpene Percentages
Once calculated, individual and total terpene percentages help you understand a product’s characteristics. The total terpene percentage indicates its overall aromatic richness and flavor intensity. Most cannabis flower strains typically have a total terpene content ranging from 1% to 4% by weight, with levels above 4% considered high.
Individual percentages of dominant terpenes can further inform your choices. For example, a product with a high percentage of myrcene might be associated with relaxing effects, while a higher limonene content could suggest more uplifting properties. These percentages, combined with personal preferences, can guide product selection for desired aroma profiles or anticipated experiences.