Marijuana is a fascinating herb that provides all kinds of benefits, from relieving pain to reducing your anxiety. This is largely due to the compounds created in cannabis trichomes- especially cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBN. However, it isn’t just the cannabinoids that contribute to the effects of cannabis strains. Marijuana terpenes are also important.
Terpenes are essential oils that can be found in all plants, including cannabis. These oils contribute to the taste and smell of different strains, and the reason each strain smells different is that each has a unique terpenoid profile. However, they don’t just affect the flavor of marijuana strains, they can also add extra effects and benefits. Here’s everything you need to know about terpenes and marijuana.
What Are Marijuana Terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring organic compounds or essential oils that can be found in all kinds of plants. These often play a part in why things like fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other plants give off certain aromas and flavors. Every plant has a unique combination of terpenes, and marijuana is no different.
Marijuana is the drug harvested from various strains of cannabis plants. These plants grow flowers that are laden with bulbous cells known as trichomes. Marijuana trichomes are responsible for producing the compounds that make each strain different, including the cannabinoids and the aromatic terpenes.
There’s a wide array of terpenes out there, although there are a certain few that are particularly common in marijuana. You’ll notice that some strains smell zesty and citrusy while others are dank and earthy- this is largely due to the terpenes produced by the buds. Terpenes can also contribute to the effects of each strain.
What Do Terpenes Do?
Marijuana terpenes can make a difference in many ways. These compounds are largely known for determining how each strain will smell and taste. For instance, strains that are high in Myrcene and Limonene will naturally be more fruity and citrusy. However, they can also have an impact on the effects of each strain.
When you smoke or vape cannabis, you’ll be treated to all kinds of effects from mental euphoria to deep physical relaxation. This is largely due to the ability of cannabinoids to activate the brain’s reward circuits and impact the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is linked to mood, memory, appetite, sleep, and more.
However, it isn’t just the cannabinoids that have an effect. Terpenes or terpenoids work in synergy with cannabinoids to provide what’s known as an entourage effect. Just like some fruits and vegetables are known for boosting your brain health or reducing the risk of disease, the terpenes in cannabis can enhance the mentally stimulating or physically relaxing effects of cannabinoids.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Terpenes aren’t the only compounds that make each marijuana strain unique. Each strain also has a unique cannabinoid profile. Many cannabinoids are produced by the trichomes of marijuana buds, although there are a few that are particularly prominent. These are the chemical compounds responsible for the mental and physical effects of cannabis.
THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana. This is the chemical that regulates the brain’s reward circuits to induce a euphoric mood. It also binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body to produce all kinds of relaxing and soothing effects. As well as being responsible for the recreational effects of cannabis, THC also has therapeutic properties.
CBD is another particularly prominent cannabinoid. While it has no psychoactive properties, it’s said to help relieve pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, seizures, and various other issues. There are also other non-psychoactive cannabinoids in marijuana such as CBN, CBG, and CBC. These compounds work synergistically to provide all kinds of effects.
Unlike terpenes, cannabinoids don’t affect the smell or taste of marijuana strains- only the effects. Cannabinoids also have much more prominent effects- especially THC. However, terpenes still work synergistically with cannabinoids to determine the kind of high you get from each marijuana strain.
Common Terpenes In Marijuana
There are thousands of terpenes found in plants and over 100 found in cannabis plants alone. Each strain of marijuana contains various terpenes, each to different extents. However, while there are many cannabis terpenes, there are a few that are particularly prominent.
Caryophyllene is a common terpene found in marijuana known for its spicy and peppery taste. It can also be found in herbs such as rosemary and cloves. As well as adding to the taste of marijuana strains, caryophyllene is also said to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Myrcene is one of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis, known for its earthy, musky, and grape-like notes. Myrcene is said to enhance the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. It’s also known for its sedative effects and is particularly abundant in indica strains.
Limonene is another common marijuana terpene that’s also abundant in citrus fruits, especially lemons. Limonene often makes marijuana strains smell zesty and fruity. It can also help with mental issues such as relieving anxiety and stress.
Terpinolene is one of the less commonly-found terpenes in cannabis known for providing herbal and piney notes. It can also be found in nutmeg, apples, and tea tree. Terpinolene is said to have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
Linalool is a floral terpene that can also be found in plants such as lavender and birch bark. As well as adding a sweet scent to marijuana strains, it can also have stress-reducing and mood-enhancing effects.
Other terpenes found in marijuana include Pinene, Ocimene, and Terpineol, all of which can enhance the aroma, taste, and effects of each strain.
Conclusion
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds that can be found in many plants, including marijuana. Each marijuana strain has a range of terpenes, each of which can enhance the aroma, taste, and effects of the strain. Some add fruity scents whereas others are more earthy or floral.
These compounds work in unison with the cannabinoids in cannabis to provide a range of effects and benefits for your body. For instance, some help with pain relief whereas others are mentally stimulating. You can get the effects of cannabinoids and terpenes when you smoke cannabis, although they often come out more when you vape. If you’re looking to try out different marijuana strains, you can find a wide range online at CanadaCannabisDispensary.
