What Can Terpenes Do For You?

The most common terpenes found in cannabis are shown below.

These volatile organic compounds are what give high quality cannabis its amazingly complex taste and smell. As we learn more and more about the medicinal benefits of cannabis, we begin to view it in a different light. Our knowledge and vocabulary has expanded beyond THC, but it hasn’t expanded far enough.

Lately, focus has been aimed towards other major cannabinoids – CBD, CBN, CBC and CBG – which have been shown to alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, seizures, and inflammation. But these cannabinoids, on their own, do not tell the full story. They do not account for the total effects felt. Without terpenes, cannabis would be very bland. THC and other cannabinoids have little odor or taste – which sounds about as enjoyable as eating a flavorless bowl of rice. You need to spice things up a bit!

Alpha-pinene, myrcene, limonene, and linalool may not roll off the tongue, but their sensory descriptors like piney, musky, fruity, tropical, spicy, floral, and citrusy immediately conjure up memories of familiar tastes and aromas. It’s no surprise to learn that terpenes aren’t unique to cannabis – they can be found in everything from plants and herbs to fruits and spices.

Terpenes are an important component to the overall cannabis experience, not only influencing a strain’s taste and smell but also influencing its effects on the body and mind. The total effect of all of the components in cannabis is referred to as the “entourage effect.” This documented phenomenon is what distinguishes one strain from another, and research shows it relies heavily on the physiological effects produced by terpenes.

Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis; and despite not being quite as popular or as well-studied as cannabinoids, these diverse molecules are instrumental in delivering the physiological and psychoactive effects of cannabis. Terpenes work in concert to either catalyze or inhibit effects of other compounds within the plant. This entourage effect is the culmination of a unique and synergistic combination.

Terpenes shape the feelings and effects a strain delivers. Whether you’re a patient seeking therapeutic effects, a grower looking to tailor a strain or just looking for a certain kind of buzz, it’s time to learn about terpenes and to use them to your advantage. cannabinoids and terpenes, producing maximal medical efficacy and ultimately, allowing patients to distinguish which strains work best for them.