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Strain Encyclopedia: All About Banana Kush

PhytoDabs Strain Encyclopedia- All About the Banana Kush Strain

Where did the Banana Kush strain come from?

  Banana Kush has taken dispensaries by storm for its notoriously soothing and therapeutic effects. This strain was first cultivated on the West Coast and then quickly dominated dispensaries in California and Colorado to become a Top-5 strain. Depending on who you ask, you may get one of two stories on Banana Kush’s origins. The breeders at Cali Kush claim their Banana Kush was cultivated from OG Kush and a male Banana plant. The Crockett Family Farms on the other hand, claim that Banana Kush was spawned from two strain icons – Ghost OG hybrid and a Skunk/Haze hybrid. 

What are Banana Kush’s genetics?

  Regardless of its origin, Banana Kush certainly carries California OG Kush genetics and has a unique expression of mild banana and tropical aromas. This West Coast beauty certainly is eye candy – its buds are a vibrant green with yellow-orange pistils, sprinkled with an abundance of sparkly trichomes. The Banana Kush strain is an indica-dominant hybrid known for its potency and ability to tuck in and knock out even the most experienced cannabis users. That said, it makes this strain very popular among medical marijuana users seeking sleep and pain relief. 

What does Banana Kush taste like?

Banana Kush was named simply after its mild yet distinctive banana flavor. At first taste, users report an initial taste of bananas followed by tropical notes and pine. Overall it boasts a sweet and kushy flavor. 

What are terpenes?

Cannabis connoisseurs may come across the term “Terpenes” or “terps,” but the average person there might have some questions about this frequently used terminology. Terpenes are phytochemicals that are naturally produced by all living flowering plants that create an aroma. These aromas help attract specific pollinators and repel some pests. But for the rest of us, terpenes create the flavors and aromas we crave.

The terpene profile behind the complex tropical flavors of Banana Kush can be broken down into a select few terpenes. Banana Kush is predominantly high in beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and limonene. These terpenes can be highlighted by a few characteristics:

  • Beta-Caryophyllene is found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. This terpene is known for its spicy aroma.
  • Linalool, commonly found in many flowers and fruits such as lavender, strawberries, tomatoes, and basil. This terpene is known for its complex floral aroma. 
  • Limonene has a zesty, fruity citrus aroma and is commonly found in lemon and orange rinds.

So what is it like to smoke Banana Kush?

Each terpene has a claimed personality. The potential effects of these phytochemicals are still being researched for validity as scientists learn more about these novel compounds. Banana Kush’s terpene profile is high in beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool. These terpenes have a soothing and mood-lifting effect that can increase creativity and talkativeness. Banana Kush is typically used as a part of a night time regiment because of its claimed sedative qualities reported among users. Yet, in contrast, this strain is also known for encouraging talkativeness, clarity, and focus. Medical marijuana patients seek out Banana Kush for its soothing, creative, and mood-elevating effects, making it the first choice for people suffering from anxiety and depression. 

The known terpenes and corresponding effects found in Banana Kush are:

  • Beta-caryophyllene potential effects include; calming, uplifting, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety. It is also the only terpene known to act as a cannabinoid: it works by activating the endocannabinoid system to provide anti-inflammatory effects. 
  • Linalool’s potential effects are stress relief, relaxation, and relief from inflammation.
  • Limonene’s potential effects are anxiety and stress relief. This terpene has antifungal and antibacterial properties. 

Ready to try Banana Kush?*

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Try our High Terp Isolate – Banana Kush (99% CBD Isolate Slabs)*

Banana Kush Dabs - High Terp Isolate CBD Isolate Dabs With Terpenes

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*These products do not contain terpenes from cannabis.

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What is CBD Distillate?

CBD Distillate is a full spectrum extract of the hemp plant. No cannabinoids are removed in the process, however all of the acid forms ( CBD-A, CBG-A, CBC-A & THC-A) all turn into their activated non-acid forms.

This is usually the product people are looking for when the refer to an “activated” CBD product. We believe there is value to all of the cannabinoids, but we see our customer consistently coming back for products made from Distillate.

Distillate is produced by using a Short Path Distillation setup to remove the harsh volatile oils found in hash. Where other products taste like a plant and burn your mouth, ours are smooth and soft, never leaving you with a skunky flavor!

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What are Terpenes?

What are Terpenes? Where do terpenes come from? What do terpenes do?

If you’ve ever wondered where cannabis strains get their unique aromas, it’s all about the terpenes. Some are sweet while some are sour, but they’re all complex. All flowering plants have terpenes; the sweet ones lure insects towards the plant while the pungent terpenes keep predators away. When you smell cannabis, you’re actually smelling the terpenes in the plant. Familiar aromas are pine, mint and citrus.

The same plant parts that produce cannabinoids (THC, CBD and others) also produce the oily terpenes. So far, scientists have identified over 100 cannabis terpenes. As it turns out, each strain’s terpenes are unique. Terpenes are more than just a pretty smell though. Some actually bind to the same receptors that cannabinoids do, while others serve as gatekeepers to determine how much THC passes to the blood-brain barrier, or by altering production rates of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Scientists are just now beginning to explore the further medical benefits that terpenes may offer.

Many modern cannabis labs have started to routinely test terpene content of various strains to provide consumers with a better understanding of the benefits offered by each strain. Batches of cannabis vary in terpene content, so that ‘s why it’s important to have laboratories test. Environmental factors like climate, soil, fertilizer and more affect the terpene content of each plant, so a lab test is the only way to be sure.

Check out our CBD Dabs w/ Strain Specific Terpenes!

Ready to learn more about terpenes?

Let’s dive in a take a whiff of the most common terpenes:

Limonene

Limonene terpenes are found in all kinds of citrus fruits and smell like—yep, citrus. Strains high in limonene help to relieve stress and elevate mood. Medically, limonene has been found to have a whole host of benefits—it is both antifungal and antibacterial. It may even be a strong cancer fighter, and it also helps with gastrointestinal issues like heartburn. Limonene is typically found in small trace amounts in cannabis, mostly in sativa strains, although there are some indicas with high limonene.

*High Limonene Cannabis Strains: OG Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Jack the Ripper, Lemon Skunk

Pinenes

Pinenes smell like (you guessed it) pine and have been used medically for asthma due to their amazing bronchodilation effect. Pinenes are also found in other plants like rosemary, basil and pine needles to give those plants their piney aroma. Pinenes do counteract some of the effects that THC has on the body, and many people choose strains high in pinenes to help stay alert and to help with memory.

*High Pinene Cannabis Strains: Jack Herer, Chemdawg, Bubba Kush, Trainwreck, Super Silver Haze

Linalool

Linalool is another citrusy, floral terpene most known for being in the lavender plant. Lavender is known to be soothing, and so are strains of cannabis that are high in linalool. They are commonly used recreationally for sedation and anxiety, and medically as anti-depressants and for anti-anxiety. Linalool is also has strong anticonvulsive properties.

*High Linalool Cannabis Strains: G-13, Amnesia Haze, Lavender, LA Confidential

Caryophyllene

If you’re looking for something a little spicier, pick strains high in caryophyllene. This terpene has a peppery, spicy aroma that smells very woody or can even smell like cloves. Caryophyllene is also found in cloves and black pepper. It is used medicinally to alleviate inflammation and is particularly good for arthritis and alleviating the inflammation that results from autoimmune disorders. Caryophyllene also has gastroprotective effects and is good for ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues.

Myrcene

Think musky when you think of myrcene. This terpene is very earthy and has a very relaxing, sedating effect. Medically, myrcene is used to induce sleep and relax sore muscles. It has also been effective against pain, inflammation and even depression. Plants like lemongrass, thyme and hops also have lots of myrcene.

*High Myrcene Cannabis Strains: Pure Kush, El Nino, Himalayan Gold, Skunk #1, White Widow

Humulene

Like myrcene, another terpene called humulene is also found in hops as well as plants like coriander. In fact, humulene gives beer its characteristic “hoppy” aroma. Like myrcene, it too is very earthy and woody, and is an excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. It is effective against pain and is also an appetite suppressant. Humulene is very prominent in cannabis sativa strains.

*High Humulene Strains: Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow, OG Kush, Sour Diesel, Headband

Terpinolene

Herbs like sage and rosemary have high amounts of terpinolene, as does essential cypress oil. Terpinolene is used in many American soap and perfume products and its piney aroma with a hint of citrus also lends itself well as an insect repellant. Terpinolene acts as a depressant on the central nervous system and is used to create sleepiness or drowsiness. It is well-versed at quieting an excited mind because it reduces psychological stimulation and anxiety. Terpinolene research has shown promise at inhibiting the growth and proliferation of several types of human cancer cells.

Terpineol

The similarly named terpineol is often found in cannabis strains that also have high pinene levels. Because of this, the pinene aroma usually overpowers the terpineol, but when isolated, the terpineol reminds people of lilacs and flower blossoms. This terpene has a relaxing and calming effect, and has antibiotic properties. Terpineol research has shown the terpene to be anti-malarial as well.

Phellandrene

Think peppermint when you think of the terpene phellandrene. It has a slight citrus scent too and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to sooth digestive disorders. Turmeric leaf oil is high in phellandrene, so the terpene is very effective against systemic fungal infections. In a laboratory, phellandrene is very easy to identify because it easily can reach crystalline form when combined with certain solvents and solutions. Scientists first discovered phellandrene in eucalyptus oil. For years, the terpene was misidentified as either pinene or limonene, but now it is recognized as a distinct terpene. Many plants like garlic, ginger, lavender, fir, dill, parsley and cinnamon contain phellandrene, which explains its predominant use as a perfume or food flavoring.

Camphene

Camphene has the strong odor of fir needles and wet woodlands. Researchers have shown that this terpene could play a significant role in cardiovascular disease. Studies in rats have shown that it reduces both cholesterol and triglyceride levels, so it shows promise as a cholesterol- and lipid-lowering drug—without all the side effects like liver damage and intestinal issues caused by regular pharmaceuticals. In addition to its medicinal uses, camphene is also used as a food flavoring and fragrance.

Geraniol

Although it smells like roses, geraniol is an effective mosquito repellant, but is also used to scent many bath and body products. Medicinally, it is used to treat neuropathy, a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, particularly in diabetic patients. About eight percent of people over the age of 55 have some form of neuropathy.

Carene

The terpene careen has a pungent but sweet odor and naturally occurs in many plant essential oils like fir, cypress and juniper berry. The terpene is a central nervous system depressant and is often used to remove excess body fluids like sweat and mucus. Carene can be an irritant when inhaled, and is thought to be somewhat responsible for coughing and scratchy throat when people smoke cannabis strains high in careen. The terpene is also naturally occurring in many citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines and mandarins so it is used as a flavoring in numerous products.

Pulegone

“P” is for pulegone and peppermint. This terpene is found in minor amounts in cannabis, but higher levels have been found in the herbal rosemary plant. Rosemary is a powerful agent against acetylcholine, a brain chemical. By breaking acetylcholine down, nerve cells in the brain can more effectively communicate with each other. Pulegone might also counteract the short-term memory loss that is sometimes associated with cannabis strains high in THC. Some studies also show that pulegone may have sedative properties and may reduce fever. and fever-reducing properties.

Sabinene

Sabinene’s “home for the holidays” aroma is filled with orange, spices and pine. Early studies show that sabinene might have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Researchers are closely looking at sabinene as a possible plant-based medicine or food supplement in nutraceutical products. Several plants have the terpene sabinene—evergreens like the Norway spruce, the basil plant and the black pepper plant. The seeds of the Myristica fragrans tree, which supplies the spice nutmeg, have high sabinene content.

Now that you know all about Terpenes, take a look at our CBD Dabs w/ Strain Specific Terpenes!

References

1.) Medical Jane. Terpenes in Cannabis. https://www.medicaljane.com/category/cannabis-classroom/terpenes/#terpenes-in-cannabis

2.) Leafly. Terpenes: The Flavors of Cannabis Aromatherapy. https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy

3.) Guimaraes AG, Serafini MR, Quintans-Junior LJ. Terpenes and derivatives as a new perspective for pain treatment: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat. 2014 Mar;24(3):243-65. doi: 10.1517/13543776.2014.870154.