Cannabis Terpenes and Their Profiles
Cannabis terpenes are some of the most exciting chemicals to come out of botanical study in quite a long time. Has it ever occurred to you that you try the same strain of cannabis twice, but it doesn’t have the same smell? If you wondered why that may be, the secret lies in compounds that give marijuana its specific scent and taste. Those compounds are called terpenes, and we will discover more about them in this article.
Cannabis contains over 100 Terpenes, each with its own unique benefits. Keep reading to learn more.
When talking about cannabis, most people pinpoint cannabinoids and their benefits. However, those are not the only compounds present in marijuana. Like other plants, weed also has terpenes, organic substances that give the plant its specific flavor and scent.
Cannabis terpenes are why every strain has a distinctive smell. You might feel the flavor of sweet berry, citrus, or pine, and it is these fragrance molecules that give that scent.
The reason why marijuana strains have different smells is that each strain has a different terpene profile. That is why even two plants grown in the same condition might have a slightly different scent.
As for the factors that affect weed’s terpene levels, those include:
- Climate
- Soil type
- Harvest time
- Maturation level
The reason plants develop terpenes in the first place is to attract pollinators and reject predators. Research suggests that these compounds can have medicinal properties, so they might be important for human use.
How Do Terpenes in Cannabis Work?
We are often talking about the difference between CBD and THC, while terpenes are rarely the topic of discussion. That is wrong because these compounds also have the capability of interacting with the human body.
If we want to explain terpenes and their effects, it would be best to discuss their working process. The purpose of these substances is to exaggerate the effects of other compounds and support them in delivering their benefits.
This is known as the entourage effect, and it describes a mechanism where cannabis substances work together to optimize the overall psychoactive benefits of the herb. The idea is that you want to find the best terpenes-to-cannabinoids ratio possible for your desired effect.
Different Types of Marijuana Terpenes and Their Effects
A typical cannabis strain might contain different types of terpenes, affecting both its smell and effectiveness. Here is an overview of the major kinds of these compounds to make an informed choice the next time you are in the market to purchase weed.
Myrcene
Myrcene is a monoterpene, which is frequently found in cannabis. Its scent could be comparable to cloves since it is both earthy and musky. Apart from marijuana, you will find this compound in lemongrass, thyme, eucalyptus, and citrus fruits.
As for the effectiveness, it is the terpenes and THC relationship that is worth discussing. Myrcene helps THC act more quickly than usual. Additionally, some users reported that this terpene has a potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect itself.
Cannabis strains with myrcene include OG Kush, Blue Dream, Remedy, Grandaddy Purple Agent Orange, ACDC, Jillybean, Harlequin’s-Tsu, Purple Urkle, Tangie, Critical Mass, and Grape Ape.
Pinene
If the terpenes effects that you are looking for include anti-inflammatory properties, consider using pinene. As the word suggests, this compound delivers the pine-like scent, and you can find it in pine words, but also balsamic resin and citrus fruits. It is interesting to note that pinene reacts with other substances and creates other terpenes.
Cannabis strains with pinene include Big Smooth, Blue Dream, Cannatonic, Cotton Candy Kush, God’s Gift, Grape Ape, Harlequin, Kosher Tangie, and Remedy.
Limonene
Limonene is one of the substances that pinene forms. You will find it in citrus fruits, especially limes, lemons, and oranges. The human body reacts well to limonene, which is why it reaches the bloodstream quickly. Some studies indicate that it can reduce appetite and play a role in the weight loss process. It is worth noting that you might even find it in citrus-based cleaning solutions.
Cannabis strains with limonene include Banana OG, Berry White, Do-Si-Dos, MAC, Purple Hindu Kush, Strawberry Banana, Tahoe OG, Wedding Cake, and White Fire OG.
Caryophyllene
You will find caryophyllene in lavender, black pepper, and cinnamon leaves. Although its anti-cancer properties have never been proven, caryophyllene can boost the anti-inflammatory characteristics of cannabis. That is why this is one of the best terpenes cannabis consumers can choose.
Cannabis strains with caryophyllene include GSC, Bubba Kush, Sour Diesel, Chemdog, Death Star, Original Glue, Gelato, The White, and Master Kush.
Other Types of Terpenes
Here are some other popular terpene types:
- Linalool – the smell is soothing since it reminds of lavender and similar herbs. It has a relaxing effect and can help you to sleep better. Cannabis strains with linalool include Do-Si-Dos, Scooby Snacks, and Zkittlez.
- Terpinolene – you will often find it in perfumes and soaps since it smells nice. It can reduce anxiety and help the user to relax. Cannabis strains with terpinolene include Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, Ghost Train Haze, Chernobyl, XJ-13, Clementine, and Golden Pineapple.
- Camphene – it might assist in reducing cholesterol levels, and its odor reminds of fir needles and damp woodlands. Cannabis strains with camphine include ACDC, Ghost OG, Strawberry Banana, Banana Kush, OG Kush, and Mendocino Purps.
- Humulene – this compound gives the beer that “hoppy” scent. According to some reports, it might have appetite-suppressing and anti-bacterial properties. Cannabis strains with humulene include Death Star, Headband, Thin Mint GSC, Original Glue, and Candyland.
You will find many different terpenes in cannabis, and it only depends on the preferred strain. If you want marijuana to be more effective, you should aim that the levels of cannabinoids and terpenes are balanced optimally.
If you have questions about terpenes and how you can get more benefits from using marijuana medicinally, call us for a free cannabis consultation at 202-420-8409, seven days a week.
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Wanna learn more about the latest on how cannabis affects our brains and bodies? Check out our previous blog on the most recent cannabis studies.
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