What exactly are terpenes in weed (aka “cannabis” plants)? And more specifically, what are these different #1excludeGlossary commonly found in cannabis plants ones like #2excludeGlossary, “terpene myrcene”, etc. along with how terpenes exist in ALL plants (not just “cannabis”) so there’s a broader terpenes definition plus what are the terpenes and effects when consumed?
[Check-Out Our Comprehensive “Cannabis Plant Terpenes & Effects” Training Guide + Free Visual Guide w/ 15 Terpene Weed Chart]
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in ALL plants, yet particularly in cannabis, that are responsible for their unique aromas and flavors. These compounds not only give plants their distinct smells, such as the citrusy scent of lemons or the piney smell of pine trees, but they also have therapeutic properties.
A marvelous gift from Mother Nature, terpenes are made by every plant and even some insects such as the bark beetle and the black carpet beetle. Aroma, flavor, healing, food, medicine – terpenes are everywhere!
In cannabis, terpenes contribute to the plant’s effects, working alongside cannabinoids like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) to create what’s known as the #7excludeGlossary which enhances the overall impact of the plant. Some well-known terpenes include:
- Terpene “Myrcene”: Musky, herbal scent & potentially sedative.
- Terpene “Limonene”: Citrusy scent, may have mood-boosting effects.
- Terpene “Pinene”: Pine scent, may help with alertness.
- Terpene “Linalool”: Floral scent, often associated with relaxation.
Terpenes in weed (aka “cannabis”) are also found in a wide range of other plants like herbs, fruits, and spices, and they are used in perfumes, essential oils, and aromatherapy due to their fragrant qualities.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, that play a significant role in giving them their distinctive aromas and flavors. They also have potential therapeutic effects and interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, much like cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD).
In cannabis, terpenes contribute to what’s known as the “Entourage Effect,” where they work synergistically with cannabinoids to enhance the plant’s effects on the body and mind. Here are some common terpenes found in cannabis and their potential effects:
1. Terpene Myrcene
- Aroma: Earthy, musky, with hints of cloves & herbal scents.
- Effects: Known for its relaxing & sedative properties, myrcene is often associated with calming effects plus can help with sleep & muscle relaxation, plus it is found in hops, thyme & lemongrass.
2. Terpene Limonene
- Aroma: Citrus-like, with strong lemon & orange tones.
- Effects: Limonene may elevate mood and provide stress relief, so it is believed to have anti-anxiety, antidepressant plus it’s even anti-fungal properties & it’s commonly found in citrus fruits and peppermint.
3. Terpene Pinene
- Aroma: Sharp, pine-like, as the name suggests.
- Effects: Pinene may enhance alertness and memory retention while having anti-inflammatory properties so it is believed to counteract some of the psychoactive effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – like short-term memory loss – but it is abundant in pine trees, rosemary & basil.
4. Terpene Linalool
- Aroma: Floral, lavender-like.
- Effects: Linalool is known for its calming, #23excludeGlossary & sedative effects, often used to help with stress & anxiety so it may also have anti-inflammatory & pain-relieving properties plus this terpene is common in lavender & mint.
5. Terpene Caryophyllene
- Aroma: Spicy, peppery, with hints of wood and cloves.
- Effects: Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It is unique because it can bind to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which may make it beneficial for conditions involving inflammation. It’s found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.
6. Terpene Humulene
- Aroma: Woody, earthy, and spicy.
Effects: Humulene is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and appetite-suppressant effects. It’s found in hops, coriander, and basil.
7. Terpene Terpinolene
- Aroma: Sweet, floral, and herbal, with hints of pine and citrus.
- Effects: Terpinolene is often associated with uplifting effects and may have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. It’s found in nutmeg, lilacs, and tea tree oil.
8. Terpene Ocimene
- Aroma: Sweet, herbaceous & citrusy.
- Effects: Ocimene may have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, with uplifting effects so it’s commonly found in mint, parsley & orchids.
Potential Therapeutic Terpenes and Effects
- Relaxation & Sleep Aid: Terpenes like myrcene and linalool are believed to have sedative & calming effects.
- Mood Elevation: Terpene limonene and terpene terpinolene may boost mood & help with anxiety or depression.
- Anti-inflammatory: Many terpenes in weed, including terpene caryophyllene & terpene pinene, have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with conditions like arthritis.
- Antioxidant & Anti-fungal: Some terpenes, like terpene terpinolene, offer antioxidant & antifungal benefits.
In combination with cannabinoids, terpenes can influence the effects of cannabis strains – from providing a relaxing experience to a more energizing one – their therapeutic potential is a key area of interest in terpenes research and using weed in wellness.
Terpenes are a major component of essential oils, the crux of aromatherapy, a method of treating mild ailments with aromatic plant compounds. Essential oils are increasingly utilized for their amazing power to uplift, calm, and delight our spirits.
Popular essential oils include lavender, sage, eucalyptus, and cannabis. Aromatherapy has been shown to reduce menstrual or menopausal problems, circulatory issues, headaches, anxiety, depression, and nausea. Aromatherapy can be further classified as cosmetic, massage, medical, olfactory, or psycho, based on the type of essential oil used and the desired effect. The oils can be applied using various topical products, inhalation, or as part of massage therapy.
Terpenes can be inhaled through a diffuser, a spray, oil droplets, or a steam bath. Inhaling terpenes stimulates the olfactory system. Once the terpenes reach our brains from our noses through the olfactory system, they begin to interact with the limbic system which controls our emotions. Besides the pleasing fragrance of some terpenes, there is an overall positive effect on the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and stress.
When terpenes in weed are applied topically, the terpenes of essential oils are mixed with massage oil or some other skin care product. Aromatherapy massage using terpenes increases circulation and also aids in the absorption of massage oil.
Cannabis Terpenes & Terpene Infused Aromatics
The cannabis plant contains at least 140 different types of terpenes. Cannabis essential oil is colored green and highly volatile. It is extracted by steam distillation from cannabis flowers and upper leaves. Since this oil is so powerful, very small amounts can create the desired effects.
Therefore, cannabis essential oil not only benefits the mind and body but also is an economical and natural way to maintain our well-being. The nine primary terpenes of cannabis aromatherapy are alpha-bisabolol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, borneol, caryophyllene, humulene, limonene, linalool, and myrcene.
It’s the unique and diverse combination of these terpenes that creates characteristic aromas and flavors for a specific cannabis variety, in addition to adding distinct health benefits. For example, pinene functions as a decongestant, clearing sinuses and increasing airflow to the lungs, while limonene has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpenes and cannabinoids, like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), work together to maximize therapeutic benefits and to create the targeted result. While doing so, some terpenes like alpha-pinene and beta-pinene lessen the intoxicating effects of THC.
THC binds to receptors that are concentrated most heavily in the areas of the brain where psychoactive effects take place, namely, the brain stem (controls sleeping, breathing, and heart rate), limbic system (controls emotions), and cerebral cortex (the thinking center). The terpene beta-caryophyllene can even bind to CB2 receptors and modify their chemical output. Borneol widens lung capillaries, thus helping cannabis compounds enter the bloodstream quicker for healing.
Synergy Between Terpene & THC
When exploring the fascinating world of terpenes in weed, it’s essential to understand how these aromatic compounds influence the effects and overall experience of cannabis. Terpenes not only give cannabis its unique smell and flavor, but they also interact with THC to enhance or modify the plant’s psychoactive and therapeutic properties. This interaction, often referred to as the entourage effect, is where terpene weed profiles work in tandem with THC and other cannabinoids to deliver more tailored effects.
For instance, myrcene, a commonly found terpene in cannabis, can increase the permeability of cell membranes, making THC more potent and resulting in deeper relaxation or sedation. Similarly, limonene, known for its citrusy aroma, can elevate mood while also enhancing THC’s psychoactive effects, making it ideal for users seeking a boost of energy or stress relief. On the other hand, terpenes like pinene may counteract some of THC’s less desirable side effects, such as memory impairment, by improving cognitive clarity.
Cannabis strains also feature terpene-infused products that allow consumers to target specific experiences. These products leverage combinations of terpenes and THC to create personalized effects, such as reducing anxiety, increasing focus, or even suppressing appetite. This diversity in terpene weed profiles gives users the flexibility to choose strains or products based on desired outcomes, from relaxation and pain relief to mood enhancement.
Understanding how terpenes and effects are connected not only helps consumers make more informed choices but also underscores the significance of these compounds in the cannabis plant’s overall impact. Whether you’re looking for a mild psychoactive experience or specific therapeutic benefits, terpene THC combinations play a crucial role in shaping how you feel after consuming cannabis.
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