Cannabis 101: Terpenes, an Interview with LucidMood

Recently we had the privilege of interviewing Tristan Watkins and Charles Jones of LucidMood. Their knowledge of terpenes and passion for cannabis is evident in every detail of their final product. LucidMood’s repertoire of sipper pens curates particular terpenes to provide you with your desired mood. It was a STELLAR interview!.. and the sippers are like nothing else out there on the market.

But First... WTF are Terpenes?… What do they have to do with Marijuana, and why do I care?

Terpenes are everywhere! When you are hit with the fragrance of flowers while walking through a garden, or when you get that woodsy smell while camping in a conifer filled forest, those scents are due to the terpenes of the plants. Here, we will simply explain why and how terpenes appeal to our senses.

Terpenes produce fragrances that hit our noses from afar. This occurs because they are volatile molecules, meaning they are easily evaporated at normal temperatures. Volatile may sound negative, but in this case, the quick evaporation creates alluring fragrances. Like when you walk down the sidewalk and smell lilacs from a bush across the street.

Flower terpenes are a component of the plants’ essential oils. These essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, the use of aromas to promote physical and psychological well-being. Aromatherapy has been used in many cultures for a very very loooong time. For example, lavender has been used as an antiseptic, as a soothing/calming therapy, and is used to treat headaches, depression, insomnia, and stress.

Terpenes in cannabis can act like those used in aromatherapy. For example if you wanted to feel more relaxed you would use a marijuana strain or product that contained myrcene. Myrcene is most commonly found in cannabis strains, and can help with relaxation. Not only is myrcene relaxing, but it is also an antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and is good for muscle tension, sleeplessness, pain, inflammation, and depression. Hops, lemongrass, mango, and thyme also contain the same myrcene terpene.

Many plants have terpenes, and humans have had a huge interest in creating dynamic flavor and fragrance profiles using them. Like grapes for wine, and flowers for perfumes. Creating new flavor and fragrance profiles in marijuana is just the tip of the iceberg! Cannabis plants have about 100 types of terpenes that hold fragrance and flavor profiles as well as health and homeopathic benefits. Below are some of the most common terpene profiles found in cannabis plants.

TERPENE: Alpha Pinene

FRAGRANCE PROFILE: Sweet, Pine, Sharp

EFFECTS: Memory Retention, Alertness

USED AS: Anti-inflammatory and Bronchodilator

ALSO FOUND IN: Pine Trees, Sage and Turpentine

STRAINS: Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, Romulan, Blue Dream, OG Kush

TERPENE: Myrcene

FRAGRANCE PROFILE: Musk, Cloves, Herbal, Citrus

EFFECTS: Sedation, Relaxation, and enhancing THC’s Psychoactivity

USED AS: Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Helps with Inflammation

ALSO FOUND IN: Mango, Thyme, Citrus, Lemongrass, Bay Leaves

STRAINS: Blue Dream, Green Crack, Alien OG, Granddaddy Purple

TERPENE: Limonene

FRAGRANCE PROFILE: Citrus

EFFECTS: Elevated Mood and Stress Relief

USED AS: Anti-Depression, Anti-Anxiety, Gastric Reflux, Antifungal

ALSO FOUND IN: Citrus Rinds, Juniper, Peppermint

STRAINS: OG Kush, Sour Diesel, Super Lemon Haze

TERPENE: Linalool

FRAGRANCE PROFILE: Floral, Citrus, Spice

EFFECTS: Sedating, Calming

USED AS: Insomnia, Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Pain, Convulsions

ALSO FOUND IN: Lavender, Citrus, Laurel, Bitch, Rosewood

STRAINS: Lavender, Skywalker OG, Headband, Ingrid, Pink Kush

TERPENE: Caryophyllene

FRAGRANCE PROFILE: Pepper, Wood, Spice

EFFECTS: None

USED AS: Antioxidant, Inflammation, Muscle Spasms, Pain, Insomnia

ALSO FOUND IN: Pepper, Cloves, Hops, Basil, Oregano

STRAINS: Girl scout Cookies, White Widow, OG Kush, Bubba Kush, Chemdawg

TERPENE: Humulene

FRAGRANCE PROFILE: Woody, Earthy

EFFECTS: Appetite Suppressant

USED AS: Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial, Pain

Also found in: Hops, Coriander

STRAINS: Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow, OG Kush, Sour Diesel, Headband

With our newfound understanding of terpenes, let's get back to the interview with Charles Jones and Tristan Watkins of LucidMood...

WHAT IS LUCIDMOOD?

Rather than most disposable vape pens, which only differentiate between sativa, indica and hybrid, LucidMood’s sipper pens curate specific terpenes paired with a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBD to give you a light, elevated high. LucidMood also offers suggested pairings of sipper pens to create more nuanced moods. For example, while working out, LucidMood suggests using the “Focus” sipper pen, while the “Relief” pen is suggested for after your workout. The sipper pens come in 7 moods: Focus, Bliss, Relax, Energy, Relief, Sleep and the newest edition to the collection, Party!

STARBUDS: What makes LucidMood different?

CHARLES & TRISTAN: LucidMood is as pure as possible, the “sipper” pens are healthier than any other inhaled products because they use purified cannabinoids and terpenes. LucidMood sipper pens give you a predictable effect because you can control the dosage. Every vape pen variety has the same ingredients every time, in every pen. Meaning, bliss will be Blissful every time. Growing conditions are not a factor with LucidMood, science and precision are.

The “Sipper Pens” are easy to use, no chargers or accessories are necessary. Simply take one on your adventure and use it to create the mood you are looking for. LucidMood allows users to select how they want to feel, and delivers those moods with precision and consistency. The pens create a functional and sociable high, with no marijuana smell or taste. It is very discrete, and has a light aromatic smell.

Users have complete control of dosage because it is built into the pen. You simply “sip” for 4 seconds, allotting a 1mg dosage of THC, then, the pen stops/turns off. Sip and Repeat! The effects of Lucidmood on the brain have been tested in clinical studies and real world applications. The "Party Pen" was tested at a party!

STARBUDS: What’s with the 1:1 Ratio?

CHARLES & TRISTAN: We went through extensive testing on THC and CBD to find the perfect ratio to ensure that people don’t over do it, or have the negative “high” effects. Through testing, we found the 1mg THC to 1mg CBD ratio to be the sweet spot. Each pen is 40% THC (creating the high), 40% CBD (dialing down the anxiety and tiredness frequently associated with cannabis), and 20% terpenes creating the desired mood.

STARUBUDS: How did you originally get interested in terpenes?

CHARLES: When “rec” went legal, I was overwhelmed with choices, and became interested in what accounts for the different feelings and moods associated with marijuana.

TRISTAN: When reading reports about how cannabis has helped with different medical conditions, it was confusing whether or not it was THC that was helping with all of the different benefits. This led me to more research, and ultimately to terpenes.

STARBUDS: How are Terpenes incorporated into LucidMood?

During the interview, Tristan and Charles talked about the use of terpenes from both a medical and a recreational angle. They were able to produce the elevations, or highs, without the "stupefaction." LucidMood has 18 months of research and development under it's belt and for now, it’s under wraps. Though they couldn’t speak to the terpenes specific to their products, they could talk about terpenes in general, and predictions they have about the future of Terpenes.

CHARLES & TRISTAN: The terpenes used in LucidMood are not derived from a cannabis plant because there are other plants that produce more of those terpenes. It was easier to use the terpenes from other plants, and the terpenes are identical to those found in cannabis. There is no difference, it just made the creation of this product easier. Linalool is Linalool in all of the plants it is found in.

STARBUDS: In your opinion is it useful or accurate to list the main terpenes in cannabis strains?

CHARLES & TRISTAN: Maybe, terpenes are affected by growing conditions and genetics, and these factors are not as consistent as they could be when growing cannabis. A single strain can have multiple types of terpenes, and the ratio of the different terpenes can differ even within the same strain. There are also inconsistencies in naming cannabis strains. Thus the need to isolate the terpenes.

Cannabis plant strains have unique fingerprints that can be altered by how they are grown. It’s the terpene composition that affects the benefits and flavors of the flower. Just as a cannabis plant has multiple terpenes, LucidMood products have multiple terpene profiles to create the desired effect and high. The difference between the cannabis terpene profiles, and the LucidMood terpene profiles is that LucidMood uses simpler, or fewer, terpenes in each product. We decided to use terpenes that are most frequently found in selectively bred cannabis strains in our sippers.

STARBUDS: What’s your favorite LucidMood?

TRISTAN: Can’t choose a favorite. I like to take all of the varieties with me, and depending on the moment, choose a pen that will have the effects I desire.

CHARLES: Party is my favorite for going on a walk or to a concert. Relief is the best for pain.

STARBUDS: In your opinion, What is the future of Terpene use in conjunction with cannabis?

CHARLES & TRISTAN: The future of terpene use lies in products dialing in on specific strains for their benefits like LucidMood already has. When referring to strains, there will be a better understanding of the genetics, so growers can create designer flowers for desired effects. LucidMood has created a product that ensures the effects of THC, CBD and terpenes combined.

STARBUDS: Wow! The use of terpenes in LucidMood is fascinating. This is a truly unique product that is a tailored experience for the user. Thanks again Charles and Tristan for chatting with us about terpenes and the LucidMood Sipper Pens. It has been a pleasure!