Terpenes in Cannabis — Growing Marijuana Guide
If you are looking to familiarize yourself with cannabis, then one of the most important things for you to do is to familiarize yourself with all of the different cannabis strains and their terpenes. Marijuana plants have something known as cannabis terpenes.
Terpenes are the essential oils of cannabis plants, and terpenes play a significant role in the aroma and flavor of cannabis. Although they might not have psychoactive effects, they produce what is known as the entourage effect.
For anybody interested in learning more about recreational cannabis and the various marijuana terpenes found in cannabis, keep reading because we’re about to cover all of this in great detail. Let’s get to it and answer the following question: what are terpenes?
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are various aromatic and organic compounds found in cannabis and other plants. Although terpenes certainly are not unique to cannabis, the simple fact is that they do play a significant role in marijuana plants.
These substances could be viewed as the essential oils of the cannabis plant. First and foremost, the role of terpenes in cannabis plants, as far as we are concerned, is to provide aroma and flavor.
As you’ll see further below, there are many different types of terpenes, including, but not limited to, pinene, limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, and others.
These all have distinct flavor and aroma profiles, lending their qualities to different marijuana strains. The reason why marijuana strains have the flavors and aromas that they do is because of these terpenes.
What you also need to realize is that the terpene profile in one cannabis strain can be very different from that in another. This difference in terpenes is, in part, why there are so many different and distinct cannabis strains out there.
Trichomes on cannabis plants serve the purpose of protecting against the elements and predators. In fact, the trichomes are where most of the terpenes are produced, essentially the aromatic oils of the plant, designed to keep predators and diseases away.
Not only do cannabis terpenes make different strains have different flavors and aromas, but they may also produce slightly different effects. Once again, terpenes are not psychoactive, but they do produce something known as the entourage effect.
Extract and Reintroduce Terpenes
What’s remarkable, however, is that cannabis terpenes don’t have to stay within the plant matter because they can be extracted.
Through unique scientific processes, terpenes can be taken out of the plant matter and then reintroduced back into vape cartridges, concentrates, and other hemp and cannabis products. This allows manufacturers to produce vape cartridges with particular flavors.
Why Does a Cannabis Plant Have Terpenes?
Although many cannabis strains have a wide variety of terpenes present, which contribute to their flavor and aroma, the reality is that this is not why cannabis plants have terpenes. No matter the predominant terpenes contained in cannabis, out of nature, they are there for one particular purpose, and that is defense.
The marijuana plant has terpenes to ward off potential pests and invaders. These are generally considered aromas and flavors destructive pests do not like, therefore keeping them at bay. The various terpene profiles contained in cannabis plants serve as a defense mechanism to keep the plants alive in the face of pests, infestations, and contaminants.
At the same time, however, cannabis terpenes also serve another vital role. Most cannabis strains have specific terpenes designed to lure in the pollinators of a specific area of the world. Simply put, cannabis plants in the wild need to be pollinated so they can reproduce.
However, to be pollinated, these plants require pollinators, such as bees and other pollinating insects. Cannabis terpenes are designed to lure in these pollinating insects, allowing the cannabis plant to reproduce and produce many more generations.
Also, very interesting to note is that cannabis plants have terpenes to help protect against UV radiation. Some terpenes act as natural sunscreen, protecting these delicate plants from harmful radiation.
It may even be the case that the production of specific terpenes can help cannabis plants adapt to various environmental conditions, such as changes in light, humidity, temperature, and more, therefore aiding in their overall survival.
Do Cannabis Terpenes Get You High?
Something important to note about cannabis terpenes, which many people get wrong, is quite simply that they do not have any psychoactive properties.
The whole reason why marijuana gets you high is because the THC interacts with your endocannabinoid receptors, mainly your CB1 and CB2 receptors. This produces a notable psychoactive height.
However, terpenes do not interact with your cannabinoid receptors in any way, therefore resulting in a notable lack of a psychoactive high. With that being said, cannabis terpenes may have a variety of therapeutic qualities and potential health benefits that you can read, all of which will take a closer look at further below.
However, the bottom line here is that these aromatic compounds found in popular cannabis strains, although they may have various benefits for you, such as potential medicinal properties, they will not get you high in any way.
Cannabis Terpenes and the Entourage Effect
The best way to maximize the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD is by combining them with terpenes. Terpenes are essential for enhancing the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. They interact with cannabinoids, resulting in unique and amplified outcomes. This is what is known as the entourage effect, the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes, and the additional effects that they produce.
For instance, myrcene, a terpene, enhance the sedative effects of THC, promoting relaxation and potentially aiding in sleep. On the other hand, limonene counteracts the sedative effects of THC, creating a more energizing and mood-enhancing experience. By combining terpenes with cannabinoids, cannabis enthusiasts and medical users can customize their experiences and achieve desired effects more effectively.
Understanding the entourage effect is crucial for both recreational and medical cannabis users. This phenomenon allows for a more holistic approach to cannabis consumption, addressing a wide range of symptoms, conditions, and concerns. Moreover, the entourage effect can help mitigate potential side effects by balancing the compounds in a cannabis strain.
This synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids has opened up new avenues for research in the medical cannabis field. Scientists are investigating the therapeutic potential of specific terpene-cannabinoid combinations for tailored applications. Ultimately, understanding and utilizing the entourage effect may revolutionize cannabis usage, providing precise and effective solutions for both recreational and medicinal purposes.
The Benefits of Terpenes
Terpenes amplify the medicinal benefits of cannabis. For example, limonene may help reduce stress, anxiety, combat depression, and alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms.
β-caryophyllene shows potential as an anti-inflammatory agent and may help manage chronic pain and certain autoimmune conditions. Pinene, another common terpene, has anti inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties, potentially benefiting respiratory conditions like asthma. These are a few examples of how specific terpenes in cannabis can potentially provide relief and promote overall well-being.
Understanding the terpene composition of cannabis strains is increasingly important in the medical field. By knowing the terpene profile of a strain, doctors and patients can anticipate the effects and tailor their treatment plan. For instance, patients seeking pain relief may benefit from strains high in myrcene, which has potential analgesic properties.
On the other hand, patients looking for an energy boost may choose strains high in limonene and pinene, known for their uplifting effects. Collaborating and utilizing terpene profiles in strain selection is vital for medical professionals and patients to optimize the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and create personalized treatment strategies for different medical conditions.
The bottom line here is that different marijuana strains have different terpenes, and these can all contribute to the therapeutic properties of both hemp and cannabis. Although terpenes may not have any psychoactive effects, that entourage effect is very real. These plant compounds can have some very pronounced benefits for the people who consume certain cannabis strains.
This is something that is becoming more widely recognized in the cannabis industry, which is why so many terpenes are being added into cannabis concentrates and other such products, because they have real medicinal benefits. The simple fact is that not only do terpenes contribute to the aroma and flavor of the plant, but also to the exact effect that you will feel from various cannabis strains.
The Most Common Cannabis Terpenes
Now that you know all of the basics about the terpenes found in cannabis plants, let’s take a closer look at some of the most prominent terpenes that you’ll find in any given cannabis strain. Of course, some are more common than others, and exactly how much you’ll find depends on specific marijuana strains.
Pinene
First, we have pinene, which as you might be able to tell, has a flavor and aroma of pine trees, and also has quite a woody aroma. This is a terpene that is found in both indica strains and sativa strains. One of its biggest potential effects is that it may help to improve focus and alertness.
Ocimene
We then have ocimene, which has a flavor and aroma reminiscent of citrus, herbs, and is just very sweet in general. This is a terpene found in a variety of fruits and herbs, as well as cannabis. One of the biggest benefits is that it may have anti-inflammatory properties, and it may be antiviral in nature as well.
Humulene
Next, we have humulene, which is a terpene known for having a flavored reminiscent of hops, wood, and earth. This is a terpene found in a variety of cannabis strains, and one of its potential effects is that a could be anti-inflammatory in nature. It may also help suppress appetite.
Caryophyllene
Next on the list we have caryophyllene, a terpene commonly found in pepper, which is why it has a very peppery flavor. It’s just very spicy in general. Not only is it found in black pepper and cloves, but in cannabis as well. In terms of its potential effects, it is best known for being calming and sedative, and it may contain anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Limonene
Limonene is yet another common terpene found in various cannabis strains. As you can probably tell by its name, it has a flavor reminiscent of lemons, citrus, and fruits in general. This is one of the most common terpenes found in sativa cannabis strains, and it tends to be very mood-enhancing and uplifting.
Myrcene
Next is Myrcene, one of the most common terpenes found in Indica strains, which has a very herbaceous, musky, and earthy flavor. It’s best known for being relaxing and sedating.
Linalool
If you like terpenes that have flavors of lavender and flowers, then linalool is one right for you. Some of the potential benefits of linalool include stress relief, relaxation, and acting as a sedative.
Terpinolene
Aptly named, terpinolene is yet another common terpene found in cannabis plants, although it’s usually present in smaller quantities. It has a floral, Piney, and slightly fruity flavor, and is generally known for being uplifting and energetic in nature.
Bisabolol
This interestingly named terpene has a flavor reminiscent of honey, chamomile, and flowers. It may be anti-inflammatory and calming in nature.
Nerolidol
The other most commonly found terpene in cannabis plants is nerolidol, one that has a citrusy, floral, and woody flavor. It’s known for being relaxing and sedating.
Conclusion
With all of the information that is currently available to us about terpenes, it’s quite clear that they have a variety of potential therapeutic benefits for us human beings. At the very least, terpenes create the distinctive aromas that cannabis is so well known for. Therefore, when you grow your own cannabis, knowing which marijuana terpenes are present in your marijuana plants is essential.
