The knowledge of Terpenes is relatively new. Despite cannabis being an ancient remedy for a variety of ailments, there is still much we don’t collectively know about the plant. We’ve spent a lot of time going over cannabinoids and terpenes and their combined effects. What exactly are terpenes though and why do we keep talking about them?
As we discussed with cannabis causing allergies, what you consume can have varying effects you based on terpenes. THC, the psychoactive compound that gets you high, is a great meter for potency but terpenes attribute to the what you are actually feeling whilst medicating.
Terpenes, however, are not exclusive to cannabis. Many are plant-based and naturally occurring in foods, perfumes, and skin products just to name a few. Terpenes are the essential oils that give cannabis it’s “dank” smell as well as numerous medical benefits. Where cannabinoids hold the powerhouses of medicinal uses, terpenes still amplify cannabinoid potency.
FYI: Most cartridges are cut with food-grade glycerin and terpenes to add flavoring back in
The difference between having an experience that keeps you uplifted and focused instead of watching ancient aliens day lies with terpenes. There is a variety that all attribute to different things. Always ask a budtender or refer back here if you are unsure of a common terpene. Below, you can find the most common ones and learn how they can affect your medicating experience.
Myrcene
This term is by far the most common. It attributes to the “couch-lock” feeling that cannabis can give you which is why it usually appears in Indica strains. Any strain, despite linage can carry different terpenes, much of it is based on grow-quality and conditions. For this reason, ask to check dispensary test results on your favorite stranges. It may be a certain terpene or combination that you are a fan of.
Myrcene, depending on its test levels, can be sedating making it great for relaxing and sleep. Medically, it’s anticonvulsant and helps reduce stress and anxiety. As it associates with Indica’s, consumers can feel “weighed down” while still being social and giggly. Just be wary of Myrcene in high levels if you aren’t accustomed to consuming it.
If you’re shopping at a club or shop, Myrcene can smell pretty earthy in bud. It has a scent of hops, light eucalyptus, mangoes, and lemongrass. This terpene stimulates hunger, which can help with cancer patients going through chemotherapy, amongst other things.
Limonene
Limonene is typically referred to as the Sativa terpene. It typically causes users to grow much more social and uplifted coupled with a fruity and tangy citrus smell. Many consumers can liken it to lemon-ish perfume. This terp can leave consumers full of laughter and melt away stress.
Medically, limonene can increase the growth of white blood cells to promote antibody production, great for preventing alzheimers. It’s also great at relieving depression and stress with its blissfully-euphoric effects.
Limonene is an uplifter, however, too much and those who deal with severe anxiety can have adverse effects to this terp. Studies also show that those who have dealt with drug abuse of “uppers” should only deal with this terpene in low doses. Since limonene can make you so happy, it usually distracts from those famous “munchies”.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is the undercover terpene hero for many. Many confuse it for the relaxing effects of Myrcene but this terp is a little bit different. Caryophyllene alleviates pain and is a strong anti-inflammatory; in addition, it’s also an antidepressant. It holds various benefits due to being an anti-inflammatory and also is one of the terpenes that isn’t fully Induce or Sativa. The antidepressant effects of caryophyllene can leave many relieved and euphoric but not always tired. It makes it perfect for those who don’t mesh well with Limonene.
It can be usually found throughout most strains but, commonly causes most to feel like Hybrids. When purchasing, this terpenes can have a spicy pepper smell. Its scent can also be similar to cinnamon and Thai basil. The pepper scent can be unappealing to many, especially for those with asthma.
Linalool
This terpene can be one of the most sedating, especially when combined with Myrcene. Its effects can leave the body and mind in a heavy tranquil state, helping to relieve chronic body pain and combat anxiety. Linalool has a clean and sweet lavender scent, making it extremely calming for stress and depression as well. This terp actively disrupts the growth of cancerous cells that target skin and kidneys.
Depending on the market, this terpene can be quite obscure but still one to look out for, nonetheless.
Pinene
Pinene is a tricky terpene. It’s very similar to Limonene but, the more focused sister. Pinene can have a strong piney and sage smell. The smell of the two can still be confused but, look for Pinene’s basil and turpentine smell opposed to lemons and orange.
As for the effects, it’s more attentive and energetic. It can leave users social and more productive. We usually recommend saving this terpene for when you have things to do or if you want to clean everything in your house. In the long run, this terp can improve cognitive functions that aid in preventing Alzheimer’s. Recreationally, it’s the best to keep you productive on those lazy days.
Similar to Limonene, however, this terp helps with focus. Users who suffer from mild to moderate anxiety may not always benefit from it.
These are the most common terpenes but even more, exist to help you achieve different experiences. Now knowing what they individually do, try combining them to get stronger effects. Even add doses of CBD to get the most out of your medication. The cannabis plant, as we all know has tons of benefits, but the plant works better together.
A strain with a nice balance of all of the above is Gelato #44. Yes, there are other variations. It carries a heavy dose of CBD and strong combinations of Limonene and Caryophyllene. The THC potency isn’t always the highest but it makes up with full its use of the Entourage Effect.
Limonene, being associated with Sativa, usually gets it a bad reputation but Limonne like all terps has to be taken in consideration with this effect. When introduced with the appropriate amounts of Caryophyllene, it can reduce those strong Sativa benefits with more calming euphoria. The CBD helps people those medicinal benefits as well as adding its own. For this reason, Gelato is great for recreational use but packed full of medicinal properties.
Next time you stop by a dispensary, keep your eyes out those terpenes. Most have them readily available but, feel free to ask a budtender for the batch’s test results. Try comparing your preferred cannabinoids and favorite terpenes next time you pick products and explore the diversity it adds to cannabis.
Written by: Joycelin Arnold
