When you enter the exciting world of cannabis, it seems like there are a lot of terms to learn. But, don’t worry! At Rolling Releaf, we want to help you know your stuff so you can best enjoy our stuff. In previous blogs, we’ve talked about the endocannabinoid system and the various consumption methods of cannabis.
In this blog, we’re going to get into terpenes, and why knowing about them will help you curate your cannabis experience.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes can actually be found in all plants and are especially noticeable in citrus fruits and aromatic herbs like thyme, basil, and sage. In terms of cannabis, terpenes are the compounds in cannabis that give each strain its own unique smell and taste profiles.
Think of terpenes as the “flavoring” of cannabis. There are over 150 terpenes in cannabis, which is why there are so many choices!
Terpenes are found in the sticky glands of female cannabis flowers called trichomes. While we enjoy terpenes for their sweet or skunky deliciousness, the cannabis plant actually uses terpenes to survive. Different smells or colors can either attract pollinators or repel pests.
Terpenes can also support the plant’s immune system by sending messages about the plant’s environment, thus protecting it from danger and helping trigger immune responses.
Another notable thing about terpenes is that not only do they make the smell and taste of cannabis a delightful experience, but they also offer therapeutic and mood-altering effects. People have been using terpenes in aromatherapy for centuries, and the use of terpenes in cannabis is no different.
Early studies have shown that terpenes show promising signs of antiviral, anticancer, antidepressant, antimicrobial, and pain relief effects.
The Increasing Role of Terpenes in Modern Cannabis
The more researchers learn about cannabis, the more they are finding the importance of terpenes. With the discovery of the “entourage effect”, or the idea that all of the parts of the plant working together is more powerful than each part working on its own, researchers have found that terpenes contribute more to the effectiveness of cannabis than originally thought.
Terpenes can influence the way that cannabinoids, especially THC and CBD, affect the body and mind when consumed together.
Terpenes are not intoxicating on their own, though they do have psychoactive effects, so they act as a catalyst for the type of high you will experience with each strain. Today, terpenes are considered just as much as cannabinoids when it comes to creating new strains or deciding which strains would be best for a particular patient.
Highlighting Notable Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, b-Caryophyllene
Now that we’ve got the basics of terpenes, let’s get into some examples. The following are notable terpenes that can be found in many strains of cannabis and are actively sought out by cannabis users.
Myrcene
Myrcene is perhaps the most popular terpene in cannabis, but you may have encountered this terpene in other common plants. Myrcene is found in hops and gives beer its peppery, spicy, balsam fragrance. It is also found in mangos, thyme, and lemongrass, which is often used in traditional folk medicine.
Myrcene is most known for its calming effects. However, myrcene may also offer anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties according to early studies. Myrcene plays a key role in transporting cannabinoids to the brain and has been linked to enhanced transdermal absorption, meaning it could make cannabis-infused lotions and oils more effective.
Pinene
Pinene has a strong pine smell and flavor, thus the name. However, it is the most common terpene in the natural world, meaning it expands way past just pine trees.
Pinene is generally used for pain relief, anxiety, and inflammation, though some early studies have shown pinene may help open your airways and combat short-term memory associated with THC.
b-Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene, or b-caryophyllene, has a peppery and spicy scent and taste. You can find this terpene in pepper, cinnamon, and oregano. In cannabis, b-caryophyllene acts like a cannabinoid and is known for its pain-relief properties.
Along with pain relief, you can expect a relaxing and euphoric feeling. In fact, b-caryophyllene has been studied to release the “bliss” molecule in the endocannabinoid system, called anandamide. Its cannabinoid-esque behavior contributes to anti-inflammatory effects.
Rolling Releaf: Providing High-Quality Cannabis Products – Directly to Your Door
On the surface, terpenes are the flavoring compounds of cannabis, but they offer so much more! Now that you know a little more about terpenes, sign up for the best cannabis delivery service in Boston and check out our extensive menu. We will discreetly deliver the terpenes of your dreams right to your door.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! We believe in the healing power of cannabis, and we want to help our customers understand how to use it effectively.
