What Are Terpenes and How Do They Affect Cannabis?
Cannabis terpenes have a direct impact on the effects of THC.
But what are terpenes, and how do they affect cannabis and its use?
As an ongoing effort to educate clients about our products, we’ll explain what these are and how it impacts the effects of cannabis.
What is a Cannabis Terpene?
Terpenes are aromatic oil secretions that commonly appear in various plants. You might recognize the smell of certain terpenes if you’re a user of essential oils from citrus fruits, lavender, or even pine needles. These scents are produced as an evolutionary effect to ward off certain creatures and encourage others to pollinate them.
A cannabis terpene works similarly and comes from the same source as THC and CBD. These terpenes are what create that unique smell we associate with cannabis. Particularly aromatic selections of cannabis are abundant in various terpenes. Studies have shown that the bud of the cannabis plant features over 100 different types of terpenes.
How Do Terpenes Affect Cannabis?
Similar to how someone may use an essential oil aroma to experience relaxation, cannabis terpenes have a direct impact on how cannabis interacts with your body. When these terpenes interact together, they actually enhance all of their individual effects in a cumulative effort. This phenomenon is known as the Entourage Effect.
This explains why medical distributors sell various strains that promote differing health benefits and psychoactive effects. For example, cannabis often features beta caryophyllene, the same substance prevalent in black pepper and cloves. This terpene is known to reduce inflammation and ease pain in those suffering from disease or injury.
Alpha and beta pinene are also common terpenes which provide relief from pain and anxiety. The synergistic effects of cannabinoids and terpenes can offer greater relief of medical symptoms than taking individual prescription drugs or oils. This natural means of reducing inflammation can potentially prevent more serious pain-related issues without the potential side effects often seen in medications.
Terpenes Enhance Smell and Flavor
The terpene profile a strain utilizes directly impacts its smell and flavor. If you’ve ever wondered how dispensaries offer so many unique tastes and styles, terpenes are directly responsible. Finding an aroma and flavor that you like can make smoking, vaping, or chewing cannabis a more enjoyable experience.
By developing terpene profiles, we can chart out what types of strains will produce certain effects as well as what it will taste like. In a roundabout way, your sense of smell might be leading you to the type of cannabis your body is asking for to deal with certain symptoms.
What Are Common Terpenes and What Do They Do?
There are numerous terpenes featured in the cannabis you may be using right now. One of these is Myrcene, which has a spicy scent and provides effective pain mitigation. It also has calming effects, making it ideal to unwind from the day with.
Linalool has a floral scent that you might recognize from the essential oil lavender. This also provides pain-dampening effects but can also act as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication.
You may recognize alpha-humulene when imbibing your favorite alcoholic drink. This terpene is synonymous with hops, which are used in varying amounts to brew beer. It’s used to help reduce inflammation and can even provide antibacterial properties.
Finally, we have alpha-pinene, which you can immediately smell just thinking about a forest of pine trees. This terpene can help those who suffer with breathing conditions and may even assist with memory enhancement.
There are over one hundred types of terpenes, each with varying scents and effects. Experts are constantly looking for new ways to intermingle different cannabis terpenes to discover new useful effects for medical and recreational purposes.
Find a Terpene You Like with OG Medicinals
With all the different types of cannabis terpenes, there’s sure to be something that can benefit you and enhance your life. We have the highest quality flowers available on the market and are the largest wholesale flower producers in Colorado. Most of our recreational strains have already been tested for their terpene profile and are conveniently listed under ‘STRAINS.’
OG Medicinals is a Denver-based, locally owned medical dispensary located right near the Denver International Airport. Just hop off the plane and look us up! We’re happy to take care of you!
For continued education and to follow what we’re up to, be sure to check us out on both Facebook and Instagram!