Cannabis Basics: Terpenes 101

Terpenes. You may not know about them, but your friend that smokes a lot sure does. Some people buy their cannabis strain based on its terpene profile. But just what are terpenes? And what effect do they have on your high?

 

Today we’ll give you a crash course on terpenes. Pay attention, you’re going to want to know this stuff.

 

What Are Terpenes?

 

 

 

Terpenes (or terps, for short) are chemical compounds present in cannabis alongside THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. They are found in the trichomes of female cannabis plants and are produced by the resin glands. Each terpene has a distinct aroma and flavour that influences one’s experience with it, and there are various benefits associated with each one.

 

And they’re not just found in cannabis. Terpenes can be found in various types of plants, such as certain fruits and herbs. They can also be found in certain animals, and even processed into cleaning products and dyes.

 

Terpenes are believed to protect plants from predators and harsh weather conditions. They also support the plant’s immune system and attract insects for pollination. As cannabis flower is dried and cured, the terpenes inside become terpenoids, and this is the form you’re most likely to encounter them in.

 

How They Affect Your High

 

 

Terpenes themselves don’t actually get you high. Instead, when ingested alongside other cannabinoids, terpenes dramatically affect the way one experiences a high. As such, terpenes have become a way to predict the effects of consuming cannabis and other plant matter.

 

This feeling of an “enhanced high” is known as the entourage effect. It’s a term used to describe how all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other components of cannabis synergize to produce its effects. The entourage effect is often referred to as having the “full spectrum” of effects from all the terpenes and cannabinoids working together.

 

Terpenes are actually quite volatile, and many of them are lost during the extraction process. It’s why some people don’t find concentrate as satisfying as flower. To combat this, many concentrate products have added terps and are marketed as being “full spectrum”. One such example is the Sauce Cartridge by High Voltage Extract. Its added terps give it a distinct taste, contributing to a high that’ll surprise anyone who’s turned their nose up at carts.

 

Common Terpenes

 

There are a variety of different terpenes. Smelling and ingesting certain terpenes have been seen to have therapeutic benefits. Certain ones have even been linked to disease-fighting properties. Below are some of the more common terpenes you’ll come across:

 

Beta-Caryophyllene

 

 

Commonly found in cloves, oregano, and black pepper, beta-caryophyllene (or just caryophyllene for short) has a peppery taste and aroma. It’s believed to help fight depression and anxiety, and can be used to mitigate your high when it becomes too much! Caryophyllene can be found in strains like Girl Scout Cookies.

 

Limonene

 

 

A terpene that appears in the rinds of citrus fruit, limonene possesses an easily-recognizable scent with uplifting qualities. Some believe it has anti-cancer properties, and some have even flirted with the idea of it being effective against Covid! Limonene commonly appears in strains such as Wedding Cake.

 

Myrcene

 

 

A terpene with a musky, earthy scent and anti-bacterial properties, myrcene can be found in hops, thyme, and lemongrass. Surprisingly, it also appears in mangoes, and is thought to improve your absorption of THC! Myrcene can be found in strains like Bubba OG.

 

Linalool

 

 

With a scent most commonly found in the lavender flower, linalool has an incredibly relaxing aroma. It’s been used in aromatherapy for years, due to its ability to relieve stress. If you’re looking to smoke something with linalool, try a strain like Pinkman Goo.

 

Beta-Pinene

 

 

Also known as pinene for short, this terpene contains a scent you’ve probably encountered out in the woods. Commonly found in pine trees and basil, this terpene is believed to combat depression and cancer. You can find it in a strain like our new Pink Death Star.

 

Humulene

 

 

Found in ginger, cloves, and hops, this terpene has long been used for its medicinal properties. Humulene is believed to be an effective remedy for asthma and allergies, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. You can find it in strains like Pink Kush.

 

 

Of course, these are just the most common terpenes you’ll find in cannabis. There are many others that will influence your experience. The only way to know which ones you’ll like is to try them all!

 

Wanna Learn More?

 

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on terpenes, buy cannabis online with Chronic Haze! We offer same-day delivery and curbside pickup to make sure your purchase reaches you right when you need it. And don’t forget about our loyalty program; it’s just another great way to save money on future purchases.

 

If you’re looking for great deals on great products, make an account and buy cannabis online with us today!

 

By the way, ever wondered why cannabis gives you “the munchies”? Fortunately for you, we’ve got a blog post on it! Check it out here!

 

References:

 

Myrcene Terpene: Strains, Effects, Dosage, & More

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211/full

https://www.healthline.com/health/cannabis-terpenes#list-of-terpenes

https://www.leafly.ca/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-terpenes#types

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33490659/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/humulene#:~:text=Humulene%2C%20also%20known%20as%20%CE%B1,et%20al.%2C%202007).