Terpenes are a large, diverse group of organic compounds that are produced by nearly every plant in nature, including cannabis. Terpenes interact with your cannabinoid receptors.Even before you become a cannabis consumer you've experienced terpenes daily in fruits, vegetables and plants of all kinds. Even some insects produce terpenes. Terpenes produce a strong odor to deter herbivores from eating the plants.
Each terpene has its own distinct smell, which plays a defining role in determining the plant's aroma and flavour. Terpenes are a vital part of cannabis medicine
Let’s compare terpene profiles to baking cookies, you may put eggs in the cookies but you don’t necessarily taste them. All terpenes combine together to create their own unique profiles. There are over 100 terpenes that have been identified in the cannabis plant. Some terpenes promote relaxation and sleep while others energize and give you focus.
Here's a breakdown of the popular terpenes.
Myrcene
Aroma; Musky, earthy, herbal, clove.
Found in; Mangoes, lemongrass, thyme, & hops
Effects; Couchlock, sedative, relaxing
Potential Medical effects; Treatment of pain, insomnia , and inflammation
Myth debunked!
I bet you've heard that eating a mango before consuming cannabis gives you a " better high". Even though mangoes have high myrcene levels, it doesn't help strengthen the THC effects or increase the absorption rate.
Caryophyllene
Aroma; Spicy pepper woody clove scent
Found in; Cloves, black pepper,cinnamon,basil, & oregano
Effects; Stress relief
Potential Medical effects; treatment of pain, depression, anxiety, and ulcers
Terpinolene
Aroma; Spicy pepper woody clove scent
Found in; tea tree, apples, lilacs, and nutmeg
Effects; Relaxing.
Potential Medical effects; Sedative, Antibacterial, Potential anti-cancer, antioxidant.
Limonene
Aroma; Citrus
Found in; Fruit rinds such as lemon, rosemary, and peppermint
Effects; Elevated mood, stress relief
Potential Medical effects; Anxiety, depression, pain and inflammation
Limonene also has the potential to help treat gallstones and may treat gastrointestinal problems such as acid reflux & heartburn.
Linalool
Aroma; Floral
Found in; Lavender
Effects; Mood enhancement, Sedation
Potential medical effects; Treatment of anxiety/depression , pain/inflammation, insomnia & neurodegeneration.
Linalool has the potential to reduce and or reverse the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and alzheimer's.
Alpha-Pinene
Aroma; Pine.
Found in; Pine needles, rosemary, basil, dill
Effects; Alertness & can counteract some THC effects
Potential Medical effects; Treatment of asthma , pain, ulcers, anxiety, and cancer.
Cannabis companies in Canada are realizing the potential of terpenes and they're making an effort to include terpene levels on their packaging. We are slowly making the shift from the typical "Indica & Sativa" and shifting our focus to terpenes. Next time you're shopping around for a new strain , inquire about the terpene levels! Also examine and research your favourite strains and find out what draws you to them. You may learn why your body appreciates the particular strain based on it's terpenes.