Cannabis plants naturally contain terpenes, natural chemicals found in the trichomes (tiny hairs covering the plant’s surface) and are responsible for their distinctive smell and taste. In addition to cannabis, many other plants have terpenes, such as herbs like thyme and citrus fruits like lemons.
These versatile compounds provide the key to distinguishing different types of cannabis using the senses of smell and taste, but they also have a much more significant role to play.
Terpenes are beneficial to a variety of health conditions, including epilepsy and malaria, according to research. Plants protect themselves against pests, bacteria, and most other invaders that try to harm them with the help of terpenes as a natural defense system. Moreover, they serve as primordial sunblocks, protecting buds from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
Cannabis terpenes are located in the highest concentrations of flowers, just as cannabinoids are in the chemical family. The flowers of cannabis tend to be an essential part of the cannabis plant, not only for humans but for the plant itself, as seeds develop here once pollinated.
Marijuana contains more than 100 different terpenes, most of which are unique to the plant.
Some strains taste and smell like fruits like lemons and berries or trees like pines because they contain terpenes.
Choosing your strain should be based on the terpene profile, as some terpenes are better for pain, others for inflammation, some boost your mood, and others help you sleep.
Caryophyllene is a “heavy-weight” terpenes in other plants, appearing in many green vegetables, rosemary, and oregano. Citrus fruits contain limonene, which gives some strains that sour aroma similar to that of citrus fruits.
THC and CBD interact with terpenes
In addition to having therapeutic properties on their own, terpenes also work well when combined with cannabinoids, an occurrence referred to as the “Entourage Effect.”
Essentially, terpenes aid cannabinoids in passing into our bloodstream by speeding up their passage.
To further describe the entourage effect, linalool has calming and sedative effects on neurotransmitters when cannabinoids stimulate them. CBD (through the aid of specific terpenes) diminishes the psychoactive effects of THC by reducing long-term memory loss.
Researchers will undoubtedly uncover some new facts and benefits regarding these aromatic molecules.
Learn more about terpenes, their health benefits, and the top strains of each terpene.
What is the importance of THC?
Those looking for potent psychoactive properties in cannabis and cannabis products must look for THC, the only substance that gives cannabis and cannabis products their psychoactive properties.
CBD products that contain a minuscule amount of THC, which shouldn’t cause people to get stoned, benefit from the THC. THC helps people reduce the so-called bell-shaped dose-response. (A bell-shaped dose-response occurs when an agent increases at low doses and decreases at higher doses)
The effectiveness of CBD alone is only temporary, and taking additional CBD won’t increase its effectiveness after that; this limits the effects that you want to see, such as reducing anxiety and inflammation. However, several studies have shown that adding even a tiny amount of THC can help overcome this response to make it more effective.
The entourage Effect occurs when full-spectrum products contain all endocannabinoids and botanical compounds in cannabis.
Entourage Effect Requires Terpenes And Cannabinoids
As we’ve discussed a bit already, terpenes and cannabis have a pretty special relationship.
Unlike THC, which takes you up and brings you back down when it wears off, terpenes take you where you want to go. D-Limonene helps you feel energized. Beta-Caryophyllene helps reduce inflammation. Tangie or Chemdawg have interesting terpene profiles that may help you feel creative.
Combined, however, cannabinoids and terpenes provide a more effective means of reaching your destination. The Entourage Effect occurs when cannabinoids are added to the mix, intensifying terpene effects.
Terpenes and cannabinoids produce different effects on our bodies. mixing these compounds produces more powerful and precise results.
A product that mixes cannabinoids with calming terpenes may offer anxiety relief to consumers who don’t want only THC.
THC and Terpenes Are Equally Important
There is a strong correlation between terpenes and THC regarding how consumers experience products. Terpenes add flavor and aroma to cannabis strains and work synergistically with cannabinoids to produce psychoactive effects.
The setting in which you use cannabis, your physiology, and your past cannabis experience can also affect your mood.
Terpenes are only one part of the puzzle, allowing you to experiment with products find what you like best.
The articles on Grow and Share explain the benefits of cannabis, how to save money, how to grow, and new products worth checking out.