When you light up and enjoy the best cannabis strains in Washington State, the terpenes in that specific flower help determine the experience. But what are terpenes exactly? Take a closer look at cannabis terpenes, how they’re different from THC and CBD, and a list of terpenes and their effects below.
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What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that can be found in pretty much all natural plants. Everything from the crisp smell of fresh lemon to the musky aroma of the forest floor can be attributed to terpenes. However, cannabis just happens to be one of the most prolifically terpene-rich plants on the planet. In fact, currently, scientists have found roughly 400 cannabis terpenes.
Terpenes determine what specific strains smell and taste like. For example, your favorite blueberry-tinged strains like Blueberry Pancakes or Blueberry Trainwreck have those flavor notes due to terpenes. However, terpenes also have their own biological effects, and may even help determine a strain’s overall effects.
You may find that some terpenes are the best terpenes for your anxiety, pain, insomnia, or other health issues. Feel free to chat with one of our budtenders about which terpenes could be the right fit for your needs. We’re here to help, and we’re excited to help you experience the terpenes that will help you feel your best.
Terpenes Benefits
Terpenes play a key role in the medicinal effect of cannabis. Many of the therapeutic properties of cannabis can be attributed to these aromatic chemicals. These chemicals work with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Since each person’s ECS is unique, the effect that a particular terpene has on you may be different from the effect that it has on a friend. Paying attention to the terpene makeup listed on the packaging of your cannabis products can help you determine what mix of terpenes is the right fit for your desired cannabis experience.
Terpenes offer a wide variety of benefits, including:
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
- Stress relief
- Antiviral properties
- Pain relief
- Mood elevation
- Neuroprotection
- Antifungal
- Decongestant properties
The effects of terpenes go far beyond helping you feel your best. Terpenes are separated into two distinct parts: terpenes and terpenoids. In order to change from terpenes into terpenoids, oxidation must occur.
According to a 2014 study, terpenoids hold promise when it comes to increasing the latency of tumors, as well as decreasing the multiplication of tumors. This means that terpenes aren’t just present to help your weed taste and smell great—they also hold potentially life-saving properties.
What do Terpenes do in Weed?
You already know that terpenes provide weed (and other plants) with distinct smells and tastes. Terpenes are present in all plants, and aren’t responsible for getting you high.
How are Terpenes Different from THC or CBD?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are cannabinoids, which are compounds that are primarily found in cannabis. Cannabinoids are also the primary chemical compounds in cannabis that have biological activity in the human body. In other words, cannabinoids are mostly responsible for how a certain strain will make you feel.
Since terpenes are not cannabinoids, they can’t get you high. That being said, they can provide a relaxing effect, as well as provide pain relief. Terpenes change the way that THC interacts with the brain, meaning it’s possible that terpenes can influence your high.
While terpenes are not the biggest determinant when it comes to a strain’s effects, they do have their own effects that can enhance or even downplay some cannabinoid effects. For instance, a high-THC flower with heavy amounts of myrcene may mean you have an excellent strain for sleep because both have sedating properties.
Researchers have found that terpenes and cannabinoids (such as THC) can work together to promote treatment for a variety of health issues, including bacterial infections, fungal issues, cancer, epilepsy, pain, inflammation, anxiety, addiction, and depression. If you’re interested in using terpenes to help alleviate health symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about whether medical-grade marijuana might be a good fit for your well-being.
The Most Prominent Cannabis Terpenes and Their Effects
Here, we’ll explore a terpenes chart for each of the most prominent terpenes, giving you a better idea of what you can expect when you see a particular terpene listed on the packaging of your cannabis product. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive—about 400 terpenes have been recognized in cannabis thus far.
1. Myrcene
- Flavor Notes: Earthy, spicy, and fruit
- Also Found In: Cloves, hops, lemongrass
- Strains with High Percentage: Mango Kush
Myrcene is exceptionally prominent in cannabis and makes up a large portion of the terpene profile of most strains you can buy today. Myrcene is primarily known to deliver sedating, relaxing effects. However, this terpene may offer substantial therapeutic value due to its actions as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. In addition to providing physical health benefits, myrcene is also known as one of the best terpenes for anxiety.
2. Caryophyllene
- Flavor Notes: Spicy and bold
- Also Found In: Basil, cinnamon, and black pepper
- Strain: Gorilla Cookies
Caryophyllene is another of the most dominant cannabis terpenes and is found in many strains. Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to date to actually interact with the endocannabinoid system much like cannabinoids but through different pathways.
This terpene has gained a lot of traction in medical communities for this reason. The list of biological activities continues to grow, but so far, caryophyllene is known to act as an antimicrobial agent, an antioxidant, and an anti-inflammatory, to name a few.
3. Terpinolene
- Flavor Notes: Woody and floral
- Also Found In: Apples, lilacs, and tea trees
- Strain: Durban Poison
Terpinolene takes on fresh floral and woody notes in terms of aroma and flavor. However, the potential benefits are even more noteworthy—terpinolene may be good for everything from sleep support to oxidative stress in the body.
4. Limonene
- Flavor Notes: Citrus
- Also Found In: lemons, oranges, and grapefruit
- Strain: Triangle Mintz
Limonene is a prominent cannabis terpene that’s also easy to find in other plants, especially citrus. Limonene is widely used in various products due to its aromatic profile. However, this is another one of those cannabis derived terpenes with a long list of potentially beneficial properties. Limonene is known to be antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. And it may even have a positive effect on your mood.
5. Pinene
- Flavor Notes: Pine
- Also Found In: Pine trees, basil, and orange peels
- Strain: Blue Dream
With a telltale pine-like aromatic and flavor quality, pinene is one of the easiest terpenes to point out in your favorite cannabis strains. Pinene is an interesting terpene because it possesses a unique bronchodilator quality that may be good for the respiratory system. However, it may also be good for certain types of pain.
Other Honorable Terpene Mentions
While not as prominent, a few other cannabis terpenes to look for in your favorite strains include:
- Linalool
- Geraniol
- Bisabolol
- Eucalyptol
- Nerolidol
- Humulene
- Camphene
Discover Terpene-Rich, Top-Shelf Flower at HWY 420
Whether you’re just getting to know about terpenes or not, it is highly likely you’ve experienced a few favorites already if you have an affinity for certain strains. At HWY 420, we love getting people connected with the cannabis strains they love. Our Bremerton and Silverdale menus are filled with cured-to-perfection, terpene-rich strains you can’t help but appreciate.
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