What are terpenes? The Ultimate Guide

Terpenes are becoming more and more popular these days and will make you feel even better when vaping or smoking cannabis flowers with a glass bong.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are compounds found in all plants that affect the aroma, taste, and sometimes color of the plant.

In the cannabis plant, terpenes not only contribute to the distinctive aroma, but also play a crucial role in the user experience. For example, linalool provides a floral and relaxing aroma, while limonene provides an invigorating citrus scent.

The composition of the different terpenes in cannabis is what differentiates the strains from each other. These terpene levels can vary depending on environmental factors such as weather, light exposure, and soil nutrients.

What are terpenes used for?

Terpenes are an incredibly diverse group of compounds that offer a variety of uses.

They are mainly used as flavorings or for their aromatic properties and are added to foods and drinks.

When terpenes are combined or taken with cannabinoids, each can enhance the benefits of the other. This is called the “entourage effect.”

The importance of terpenes in the cannabis plant

Terpenes play a crucial role in the functioning of the marijuana plant:

Terpenes act as a natural defense against pests and predators.

They can influence and modulate the effects of other compounds contained in cannabis, such as cannabinoids.

Common terpenes

Myrcene – Myrcene is the most common cannabis terpene. Some cannabis strains contain up to 60% myrcene alone. It is known for relaxing the entire body. Another fundamental property is the ability to improve absorption through the skin and also increase the number of cannabinoid substances in the brain. More cannabinoids in the brain trigger a feeling of euphoria in the consumer. The scent is an earthy, clove-like smell. Marijuana strains with this terpene include OG Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, and Grape Ape. Myrcene is also a chemical in hops, the main ingredient in beer.

Scent: fruity and earthy; Possible benefits: calming, muscle relaxant.

Limonene – The aroma of Limonene gives off a bright, citrusy smell and lifts the mood. Limonene is the second most common terpene in all cannabis strains. Its uplifting properties help reduce anxiety and depression.

Scent: lemon, citrus; Benefits: Stress relief, reduces acid reflux.

Pinene – Pinene terpenes have a rich pine aroma. This compound is usually obtained from the resin of pine trees. Like trees, other plants have that wonderful, earthy scent outdoors. As a therapeutic agent, it can be used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and bronchodilator.

Scent: Pine, Rosemary; Benefits: memory retention, anti-inflammatory.

Linalool – Linalool is most responsible for the distinct smell of cannabis. Linalool has rich, spicy and floral notes, is found in more than 200 plant species and is best known for giving lavender its distinctive scent.

Scent: floral, lavender; Benefits: sedative, anesthetic, antispasmodic, analgesic.

Caryophyllene – is a predominant terpene found in many cannabis strains. This terpene is also found in rosemary and cloves. It can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Scent: spicy, woody, cloves; Benefits: pain relieving, gastroprotective.

The role of terpenes

Terpenes from the cannabis plant can have similar pain-relieving effects as cannabinoids, and when combined with cannabinoids, the pain-relieving effects were enhanced without additional negative side effects.

Can terpenes get you high?

Terpenes are not responsible for getting you high, but they are known to be psychoactive, meaning they interact with the brain. Some terpenes can even reduce the psychoactive effects of THC and increase its therapeutic effects.

In fact, recent evidence suggests that some terpenes have the potential to help alleviate certain mental health conditions. For example, people suffering from anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may benefit from terpenes because they have a synergistic effect on the body. The result of this reaction is an increase in serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels.

Use terpenes with vapes

Add plant-based terpenes to your e-cigarettes to satisfy cravings for novel flavor experiences and functional benefits.

Combine the raw authenticity of live resin with richly flavored infused strains for a premium, flavorful vaping experience.

With just one large batch of bulk distillate – be it THC or CBD – you can launch a range of new, exciting strains to keep your range fresh and exciting.

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