What Are Marijuana Terpenes

Cannabis plants produce a variety of organic compounds called terpenes. These terpenes are the key component which gives cannabis its distinctive odor and flavors. On average, a cannabis plant produces over 100 different terpenes. These terpenes are the organic hydrocarbons located in the essential oils of the cannabis plant. Terpenes can be broken down into four categories, sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter. With each category, there are further subcategories that can provide different smells and flavors. For example, the pungent smell and flavor of sour diesel comes from the terpenes that are in the category of “sour.” Conversely, the sweet and fruity smell and flavor of pineapple express comes from the terpenes that are in the category of “sweet.” In this article, we’ll explore the interesting world of cannabis terpenes and how they can influence your favorite cannabis strain.

Terpenes and Where They Come From

Terpenes are the molecules that give plants their distinctive scents. They are what make oranges smell citrusy, pine trees smell piney, and lavender smell relaxing.

Terpenes are a key part of cannabis plants, and they play a variety of important roles. Some of them protect the plants from pests, while others can give the plants different smells that attract different kinds of animals. It’s believed that as cannabis plants evolved, they began to produce terpenes that would attract specific kinds of animals, helping the plants to survive and thrive.

Entourage Effect

Cannabis terpenes are well known for their unique flavor and scent qualities, but recent research has shown that they also have a significant effect on the high one can get from certain strains of cannabis. Known as the entourage effect, this correlation is based on the individual qualities of the cannabis plant’s terpenes and cannabinoids. In addition to THC and CBD, other molecules within the cannabis plant are affected by the terpenes, resulting in a more complex and unique experience. Outside of THC and CBD, certain ones have been shown to have their own individual effects. For example, the terpene Linalool is known to produce a lavender and citrus scent, and is thought to have a sedating effect. Another terpene, β-pinene, is associated with a pine-like scent and is thought to contain therapeutic properties. One particular terpene, limonene, has been shown to have the most promising effects when it comes to the entourage effect. Limonene interacts with the brain in several different ways, including the adenosine system, GABA system and serotonin system, all of which are responsible for controlling different aspects of the experience. A large scale study is currently underway to determine the full extent of the effects of limonene and other cannabis terpenes.

Growing Cannabis and Terpenes

Marijuana’s many terpenes can make a big difference in the taste and effects of the drug, so it’s important to pay attention to how they’re grown and harvested. Here are some tips to help ensure the highest-quality marijuana terpenes.

Indoor cannabis growing can give you more control over the factors that influence the quality of the cannabis plant, but it doesn’t mean that indoor growing can influence the terpene content. It all comes down to growing in traditional soil that is more effective at generating a prominent terpene profile, and growers also want to make sure they harvest at the right time, harvesting too early or too late can affect the terpenes. If you harvest too early there is a risk of the trichomes becoming cut off from the production of cannabinoids and terpenes, if you harvest too late the trichomes may decrease in chemical potency. Other important measures to consider are things like temperature, you want to make sure you plant is around 25 degrees Celsius throughout the day and around 15 degrees at night.

CBD and Terpenes

CBD products that are labeled as full-spectrum CBD have the terpenes and cannabinoids preserved during processing, which makes them more effective when consumed. When looking to buy CBD, you may find CBD isolate as an option, but this means that the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes are not included. Full-spectrum CBD products have the terpenes and cannabinoids preserved together, which enhances their effectiveness.

Common Cannabis Terpenes and Their Effects

There are many different types of terpenes present in cannabis, some of which are more common than others. According to this chart, some of the most common terpenes are those that are especially potent and beneficial.

Myrcene is a rare and powerful oil that is often used in perfumes and cosmetics. It has a sweet, woody, and floral aroma that is often described as floral and woodsy.

Mycrene is a common terpene found in cannabis strains, and it has many benefits for the body. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, sedative, and pain-relieving agent, and it may also increase the longevity of the euphoric feeling you get from consuming THC.

One of the most popular essential oils, limonene has a sweet, citrus smell that is perfect for enhancing scents.

Marijuana is known for its many terpenes, one of which is Limonene. Limonene has many benefits, including being an effective antibacterial and fungicide, and being sedating and calming when consumed. Many other products on the market use limonene to help with a variety of ailments, and it is also used as a natural insect repellent.

Linalool provides a sweet, captivating fragrance that is sure to please. It is a gentle, soothing aroma that is perfect for any occasion.

Linalool is a key component of some strains’ lavender aroma and has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of health conditions, including arthritis and inflammation. Its anti-microbial properties make it a valuable addition to any strain seeking relief from anxiety or sleep problems.

Caryophyllene is a unique and powerful oil that has a long history of use in aromatherapy and natural healing. It has a sweet, floral, and woodsy scent that is relaxing and refreshing.

This is the terpene that gives off the spice and black pepper aroma when you light up certain strains. Caryophyllene is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and it is also known to have an anti-fungal function when consumed.