At Allora Labs we analyze everything that circulates in the market to protect users, but our commitment goes further: we want to bring the laboratory closer to people. We not only analyze terpenes for their composition, but we also seek to share those results in an understandable way so that users understand how they influence the effects of the plant. With the aim that users make conscious choices.
A journey through the history of cannabis
Since the state of California took the first step toward regulating cannabis for medicinal purposes in 1996, the plant has traveled a challenging path toward widespread acceptance.
Although many places in the world still impose severe penalties on users and growers, progressive countries are seeking to decriminalize and regularize the cannabis industry. These changes not only seek to address issues related to recreational use, but also to recognize and take advantage of the medicinal benefits that the plant can offer.
Internationally, several countries have adopted more tolerant approaches and are exploring ways to regularize cannabis use. Some have established medical cannabis programs, while others have moved toward full legalization.
This trend towards standardization and regulation is supported by a growing understanding of the medicinal, economic and social aspects associated with cannabis.
The legal landscape of cannabis remains diverse, this journey through the history of cannabis reflects the complexity of the evolution of attitudes towards this plant, which has gone from stigmatization to growing acceptance in many corners of the world.
Terpenes, the hidden gem of cannabis
In our laboratory we place a special focus on terpenes, which are those compounds responsible for the unique aromas and flavors of cannabis. From the beginning, terpenes have been our favorite part of the plant. People can more or less control THC or CBD, but terpenes are key to understanding all the effects
Terpenes, secondary metabolites of the plant, not only provide flavor and aroma, but also play an essential role in the psychoactivity of cannabis, known as the “entourage effect.” This phenomenon, identified by Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam in 1999, reveals that the components of cannabis do not produce the same results when acting separately.
Each terpene contributes uniquely to this effect, and some terpenes have been noted to have relaxing properties, while others can be stimulating or mood-enhancing. Some common terpenes in cannabis include myrcene, which is associated with relaxing properties, and limonene, which is often found in strains that promote mood elevation.
The diversity of terpenes in different cannabis strains is what makes each strain have a unique profile and offer different experiences. In the laboratory, terpene analysis using techniques such as gas chromatography allows the presence of these compounds to be understood and quantified, providing users and growers with valuable information about the properties and potential effects of a specific strain.
Terpenes and effect, beyond sativa and indica
Our job is to characterize terpene profiles in the lab and then compare them to user experiences. The effects of cannabis are quite described, but the potential of terpenes generates a synergy that produces other effects. The entire experience in the laboratory is analytically contrasted with what the users feel.
The process involves cannabis clubs providing samples of particular genetics, which are then analyzed using chromatography techniques. The results are compared to users’ experiences, providing a valuable data set to understand the complexity of the effects of cannabis.
The wonder of terpenes is that, depending on their composition and concentration, the psychoactivity of cannabis can be euphoric or relaxing. The traditional classification into sativa or indica varieties is becoming obsolete. Why two strains classified in the same way can have totally different terpene profiles, resulting in divergent effects. For this reason, leading research countries such as the United States and Israel are adopting approaches based on “chemotypes”, identifying markers and pairs of terpenes to anticipate effects.
This evolution in the understanding of cannabis not only challenges conventional perceptions, but also provides consumers and growers with a more precise tool to choose strains that align with their individual preferences and needs. The terpene revolution is transforming the way we understand and experience cannabis, leading us toward a more personalized and scientifically informed future in the world of marijuana,
Risk reduction and commitment to safety
We are actively committed to risk reduction in collaboration with organizations such as Energy Control. The power of information is invaluable. We focus on providing support to anticipate effects, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, making the most of its potential.
The close relationship with cannabis associations in Spain is fundamental for our work. At Allora Labs we highlight the importance of linking the technical knowledge of modern cannabis with the rich culture and experience of Spanish growers. This is reflected in the various training cycles we offer, ranging from cannabis clubs to CBD companies and users in general.
Innovation, training and social commitment
Through our training, we seek to create a synergy between technical information and the personal relationship of each individual with the plant. We have a decade of experience in the Spanish cannabis movement, and we do not want the market to choose your flower. We want you to understand which components of the plant influence the effects and for you to choose.
However, we want to point out the commercial bias in many researches, where high levels of THC are emphasized without considering the possible long-term risks. Also highlight the challenges related to semi-synthetic cannabinoids, such as HHC, warning of possible health risks due to solvent residues.
