Our Guide to Terps, Flavors, and What’s Really Getting You Stoned
Terpenes… They’re Everywhere!
Terpenes have recently become a hot topic in the Cannabis World as more and more studies are being released revealing the benefits and differences between each terpene. Most commonly derived from plants, including teas, herbs, and, of course, cannabis, Terpenes are one of the primary ingredients in most essential oils. By forming in unique combinations, they give plants their fragrance, appearance as well a way to protect themselves from predators or to attract insects for pollination.
In Cannabis, they give each Strain the individual variety of aromas, tastes, and texture. While they heavily affect the physical appearance of Cannabis, they also provide different effects you feel after consumption, you can enjoy everything from the subtle wave of joy to the over-whelming relaxation of “couch-lock.”
With so many to choose from, there is a cannabis happy place for every user.
Reinventing The Wheel
Our friends over at Leafly made it easy to differentiate between the most commonly found terpenes, as well as understand how and why they make us feel the way they do. Let’s take a quick dive into some of the Terpenes mentioned on the Wheel.
Most Commonly Found Terpenes
Terpinolene
Carrying an interesting taste profile, Terpinolene is commonly noted as piney, floral, herbaceous, and even a little citrusy.
Limonene
One of the most commonly found terpenes, limonene has distinct citrus notes and may provide energetic moods.
Linalool
Aromatherapy lovers may want to seek out cannabis with linalool, which is commonly found in Lavendar and calms the body.
Beta-Caryophyllene
A major ingredient in cloves, rosemary, and hops, Beta-Caryophyllene could also have sedating/calming effects.
Humulene
This terpene is found in ginseng, which has long been used in folk medicine for energizing effects.
Beta-Pinene
Most commonly found in pine needles, hence the name, Pinene is known to provide an alert state ofmind and uplift energy levels.
Terpenes may be the reason why everyone’s favorite strain is different. Just as every individual is different, so is each Cannabis strain! While the research is still being published on this topic, we can still enjoy and learn the differences and benefits of each Terpene!
Sources:
https://thcdesign.com/blog/its-all-about-the-terpenes/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945219301190
Paduch, R., Kandefer-Szerszeń, M., Trytek, M. et al. Terpenes: substances useful in human healthcare. Arch. Immunol. Ther. Exp. 55, 315 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00005-007-0039-1
