CategoriesCannabis Terpenes Education

Cannabis Terpenes 101: What is Limonene?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cannabis is comprised of many components including cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD), terpenes and flavonoids. Terpenes are produced from the resin glands in cannabis, as well as fruits, flowers and various other plants. These terpenes are what give particular cannabis strains their unique aroma – but, that’s not all they do![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26591″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Lesson in Limonene

Let’s take a look at limonene, which is a fairly popular terpene found in a variety of strains.
As the name suggests, limonene is a terpene with a particularly citrustry aroma. This terpene is common in citrus fruits and fruit rinds, cleaning products and even cosmetics. Limonene is not only responsible for giving particular strains their unique smell, but it has other benefits as well.

Benefits of Limonene

Besides the aromatic citrustry scent produced by this terpene, it has a variety of other benefits as well. The unique terpene benefits are part of what gives each cannabis strain their particular medical properties.
Limonene, in particular, is known for the following effects:

  • Boosts mood
  • Relieves stress
  • Powerful anti-inflammatory properties
  • Antifungal properties
  • Antibacterial properties
  • Can help cure cancer, according to a 2015 study shows the effects on breast cancer
  • Potential to help with heartburn and gastric reflux
  • Helps the body assimilate other terpenes and cannabinoids

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26588″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Strains High In Limonene

Unlike THC which can occur in amounts of 14% to 25% in cannabis plants, terpenes do not carry the same biomass and are typically found in trace amounts of under 2%. These levels can vary from harvest-to-harvest depending on various environmental and growth factors, same as with THC.
While not found in large amounts, limonene is concentrated enough to give the following strains their particular citrusy aroma, as well as playing a role in the effects.
Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze is a Sativa-dominant strain that produces a heady and uplifted cerebral high, resulting in creativity, energy and euphoria. The effects from this strain make it an excellent tool for battling depression, fatigue, anxiety, chronic pain and even nausea.
Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a pure Sativa strain that has a potent and happy head high perfect running daytime errands or if you need a creative boost. As a result, this strain is effective for managing depression, anxiety, chronic pain and even nausea.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer is another Sativa strain that produces distinctive cerebral effects. Jack Herer is ideal for errands and daytime activities and can make the user feel happy, bubbly and euphoric while also spurring energy and creativity. This strain is most effective for managing bipolar disorder, anxiety, migraines, PTSD and ADHD.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a 90% Sativa-dominant strain that produces an invigorating cerebral high. The effects are very potent, making this an ideal wake-and-bake flower. Sour Diesel is sure to spark creativity, provide energy and boost mood, giving you your best day! As a result, this strain is excellent at relieving anxiety, depression and fatigue.
OG Kush
OG Kush is a near perfect hybrid with a 55:45 Sativa/Indica ratio. This strain produces an intense cerebral euphoria before melting you into your sofa. The Sativa effects are ideal for managing depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety while the body effects are great for relieving pain.
If you are looking for a boost in mood or relief from stress, heartburn or even cancer, try a strain high in limonene and start getting relief today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CategoriesEducation

Cannabis Flavonoids 101: What Are They and What Do They Do

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”26444″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Cannabis is a genetically complex plant that is made up of over 200 active compounds. From well-known cannabinoids (CBD and THC) to lesser-known components, such as cannabis flavonoids, this plant is a goldmine of information. However, despite flavonoids accounting for approximately 10% of the known cannabis compounds, they are not as widely researched or reported on. So, what are they?

What Are Cannabis Flavonoids?

Terpenes and cannabinoids that tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to cannabis, but flavonoids are another compound that are just as important to the genetic makeup of the plant – and have their own role to play.
While there are a few flavonoids that are specific to cannabis, these compounds can be found in various plants all throughout nature, from flowers to fruit and vegetables. In fact, there are over 6,000 different varieties of flavonoids! Much like terpenes cannabis flavonoids are responsible for how cannabis is perceived, including taste and smell – but it goes far beyond that.
Despite not having as much research as other cannabis compounds, there are a few things that we do know about these mysterious flavonoids.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Flavonoids Protect The Plant

One of the purposes of flavonoids is to help protect the plant.
These compounds are noted as having a partial responsibility when it comes to preventing pests and disease. In addition, flavonoids are even thought to protect the plant from harmful UV rays in some cases.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”26446″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Flavonoids Give Character

Flavonoids are an important component when it comes to the plants “character” (smell, visual appearance, flavor, etc).
Research shows that flavonoids affect the pigmentation of the flower, both in cannabis and other plants. In fact, the word itself comes from the Latin word “flavus”, which  refers to the color yellow in nature.
In addition, flavonoids affect the pigmentation. For example, anthocyanins is a flavonoid that produces a deep purple color in cannabis strains such as GrandDaddy Purple. This flavonoid is also responsible for the red, purple and blue coloration in berries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”26448″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Flavonoids Provide User Benefits

Beyond assisting with the physical and aromatic qualities of the cannabis plant – and helping to protect against outside elements, research has also shown that flavonoids can have particular benefits.
Much like cannabinoids, flavonoids are pharmacologically active and contain unique elements, which can be beneficial to the user depending on which compounds they encounter.
Some of the more well-known flavonoids include:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”26450″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

  • Quercetin – Found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as cannabis, quercetin has been found to have antifungal and antioxidant properties.
  • Catechins – This is another antioxidant that provides cardiovascular benefits and is found in cocoa, tea and pome fruits.
  • Cannaflavin A – This is a cannabis-specific flavonoid that is said to have anti-inflammatory properties stronger than those in Aspirin. This is similar to THC which has 20x the anti-inflammatory properties of Aspirin!
  • Cannaflavin B – Also a cannabis-specific compound, but more research is being done.
  • Cannaflavin C – Also a cannabis-specific compound, but more research is being done.
  • Orientin – Found in cannabis as well as teas (specifically rooibos), orientin is a powerful antioxidant and free-radical scavenger. In fact, it is powerful enough to even reduce radiation damage!
  • SilymarinAnother powerful flavonoid, Silymarin can help reduce damage from free radicals and battle cancer thanks to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is commonly found in cannabis and milk thistle.
  • KaempferolThis flavonoid is found in a variety of plants (including cannabis) and has similar antioxidizing properties to help reduce oxidative stress and even reduce the risk of various cancers!

Many properties in cannabis are synergistic, meaning they work together. While CBD and THC can be potent on their own, studies continue to show that they perform best for pain-relief and healing disease when they are used together. This is similar when you consider the terpenes and flavonoids, which are also part of the cannabis makeup; the entire plant is designed to work as whole in order to produce the best effects.
While it is unclear how much effect flavonoids can have, and whether or not they enhance the properties of other cannabis compounds, it is apparent that these are powerful and beneficial compounds![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Compassion ConcentratesCategoriesCannabis Concentrates Compassion Concentrates

The Extraction Process

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Concentrates are an extracted and highly potent (concentrated) form of the cannabis plant. In order to extract the essential terpenes, trichomes and cannabinoids from the plant, they need to be put through an extraction process. By extracting these valuable components, the final product has a much higher concentration of THC (or CBD, depending on the manufacturer) when compared to flower. Concentrates usually range from 50-90% pure THC, while flower itself has a 14-30% concentration of cannabinoids.
Here at Compassion Concentrates, we use a solvent-based extraction process to manufacture our concentrates, which include: shatter, live resin, edibles, clear distillate and phoenix tears. Our process uses butane (versus alcohol or CO2) to strip the desired components from the plant.
This process filters butane through plant material. As the butane goes through the system, it removes the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. The resulting solution is processed through an additional system, which them removes the butane and any additional remaining plant material. This results in a pure and concentrated cannabis product. In addition, the butane extraction method produces some of the strongest concentrates on the market. In addition, this extraction process preserves the terpene profiles to result in an extremely flavorful finished product.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”25955″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our products are available for purchase directly on our website and through our dispensary partners. If you are a wholesaler wanting bulk pricing, or cannabis dispensary looking to add this product to your shelves, please contact us today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Compassion ConcentratesCategoriesCompassion Concentrates

Introducing Compassion Concentrates

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”25958″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Compassion Concentrates is a compassionate organization that believes in fair pricing of cannabis concentrates for all Canadians. As these products are a concentrated, and therefore very potent, form of cannabis, they are often more expensive. This does not have to be the case.
According to the 2017 Canadian cannabis survey by the Government of Canada, the most common form of purchasing and using cannabis is dried flower, which is not surprising. However, the survey also revealed that 30% of respondents use edibles, 14% use cannabis oils, 14% use solid concentrates, 11% prefer liquid concentrates and 10% use tinctures!
Concentrates are growing in popularity, but as they are a concentrated (and therefore very potent) form of cannabis, they are often more expensive medical marijuana options. In fact, according to the same 2017 study, the cost for liquid concentrates and solid concentrates saw an average cost of $43.80 per gram and $35.84 per gram, respectively. For some individuals who may require one or more grams per day, it is easy to see the need for more affordable options.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”25229″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]At Compassion Concentrates we feel that patients who require medical cannabis, or prefer to consume via concentrates as opposed to other forms of medical marijuana therapy, should have easy and affordable access to these products. We work hard to maintain compassionate pricing for our entire Compassion Concentrates line to ensure our products are affordable.
Our shop is stocked with a variety of strains in various concentrate forms including shatter, oils and Live Resin in order to meet the needs of all our customers. Each of our concentrates is suited to particular ailments or disorders and we are devoted to ensuring we have a wide-range of available strains so we may provide relief for all of our patients. In addition, we maintain rigorous quality-control procedures to ensure pure and potent concentrates that provide consistent relief to our patients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You can find our products available online through our website, or for sale through various dispensary locations. If you are a cannabis dispensary looking to stock our products, or someone interested in wholesale pricing, please contact us today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]