What Are the Effects of Cannabis Terpenes?

Posted on September 23rd, 2021 to Education

In the world of weed, cannabinoids may be the bonafide stars of the show, but another constituent plays quite an important role in your overall cannabis experience. Terpenes are chemical components that explain why a strain like Hawaiian Haze has a hint of sweetness, why Super Skunk smells so, well, skunky, and even why your favorite Sour Diesel smells like diesel. So, what are terpenes, and do they give you anything other than awesome flavor and aromatics? Let’s jump in to find out.

What Are Terpenes: A Quick Explanation

Scientifically, terpenes are chemical compounds that offer some benefit to the cannabis plant. The trademark aromatics may offer a number of advantages for plants in their natural environment. For example, some attract pollinators with sweet aromatics, and some may actually thwart pest problems with undesirable scent notes.

Are Terpenes Only in Cannabis?

Terpenes are not just found in cannabis; they are actually one of the most abundant plant-based compounds found in nature. Scientists have isolated or identified at least 30,000 terpenes in the natural world, hundreds of which may be found in cannabis. For example, the smell of a tart apple is caused by terpenes, just as what you smell when you enter a pine forest is thanks to terpenes.

The Benefits of Terpenes

While terpenes may not be as prolific as cannabinoids like THC and CBD in cannabis, these constituents do offer their own unique advantages. So much so that terpenes are a primary component in aromatherapy, which is known to yield a host of benefits just by stimulating the nervous system through the olfactory sense of smell. When consumed with cannabis, terpenes may even support the actions of cannabinoids when they enter the endocannabinoid system. Let’s take a look at just a few of the most well-known terpenes found in cannabis and some of the benefits they may provide.

Myrcene

Myrcene is earthy, somewhat musky, and may have a final note of fruity sweetness. This particular terpene is thought to induce a state of relaxation, but it may also be uplifting for your mood as well. The terpene portrays some antioxidant properties and is especially effective against inflammation.

Linalool

Linalool is a florally aromatic compound that has a telltale sweetness and is also found in lavender. This terpene may offer its own advantages, such as calming the nerves and helping with pain and inflammation.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is one of the few terpenes that actually interact with the endocannabinoid system much like cannabinoids. This particular terpene seems to offer more physiological effects because of that fact, and may also better support the delivery or effects of cannabinoids. Caryophyllene is peppery and spicy aromatically but may act as an antioxidant, soothe inflammation, and even act similarly on tumors as some prescription medications.

Limonene

Citrusy and sweet, limonene is abundant in a lot of fruits and is a mainstay in aromatherapy. Limonene is thought to offer uplifting effects on your mood and possibly even give you a slight punch of energy. The terpene has also been examined for its effects on the digestive system and may offer some level of support for the heart.

Discover Your Favorite Terpenes in Top-Quality Cannabis

Terpenes may not be as profound as cannabinoids, but these constituents are well worth a closer look. To get the best terpene experience from your cannabis, be sure to shop for top-shelf cannabis that has been harvested in a way to protect these delicate compounds. Take a look at our menu to find terpene-rich strains you will love to experience.