What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
Terpenes: Tickling the Senses
Break apart a bud of Blueberry and luxuriate in its fruity, sweet-tart, mouth-watering aroma. Fire up a bowl of Tangie and savor its slightly bitter citrus profile as its skunky essence washes over you.
The sources of these distinct pleasures? Terpenes.
Terpenes, like THC and CBD, are essential oils found in cannabis. While THC is the main source of psychoactive effects, terpenes are also indispensable to your appreciation.
Growers continue to cultivate cannabis with increasingly greater levels of THC. Many consumers complain that growers are paying less attention to terpenes. In response, some growers are experimenting with breeds that meet consumers’ demands for a richer, multisensory experience.
Today, vaping is the best way to get the most from a strain’s terpenes. Keep your eyes peeled and nose poised for advancements in cultivation that will enhance your smoking sessions.
Several Well-Known Terpenes in Marijuana
Researchers have identified more than 200 distinct terpenes in cannabis. Many are reminiscent of familiar aromas from nature. Several of the most common terpenes include:
Alpha-pinene
Also found in pine needles, alpha-pinene is nature’s most common terpene.
- Flavor Profiles: pine, rosemary, basil
- Psychoactive Effects: heightened alertness, memory retentiong
- Potential Therapeutic Uses: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, bronchodilating
Beta-carophyllene
- Flavor Profiles: citrus, spice
- Psychoactive Effects: heightened alertness, memory retention
- Potential Therapeutic Uses: anti-inflammatory, gastro-protective
Limonene
- Flavor Profiles: citrus, lemon, tangerine
- Psychoactive Effects: heightened alertness, memory retention
- Potential Therapeutic Uses: antidepressant, anti-anxiety, immunity boosting
Linalool
- Flavor Profiles: floral, herbal, spice
- Psychoactive Effects: relaxing, couch-bound
- Potential Therapeutic Uses: analgesic (pain relief), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, sedative
Myrcene
- Flavor Profiles: clove, citrus, musk, fruit
- Psychoactive Effects: relaxation, calmness
- Potential Therapeutic Uses: anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, sedative
Researchers believe that terpenes contribute to “The Entourage Effect,” along with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Terpenes make choosing the perfect strain as enjoyable as do bouquets and flavor notes when selecting wine varietals.
