Everything About Terpenes

Cannabis contains a wide range of compounds and chemicals. The effects of cannabis vary depending on the person and dose. Terpenes are an integral part of cannabis. Terpenes can change your body differently, but what exactly are terpenes? In this article, we'll look at terpenes, how they work in your body, and how you can use them to determine what type of product is best for you.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic molecules that are produced by a variety of plants, including cannabis. Terpenes are essential for a plant’s survival. Some terpenes attract pollinators, while other terpenes repel predators. These molecules are responsible for the distinct smell and flavor of each cannabis strain. Terpenes are also thought to have various health benefits, including anxiety and inflammation reduction. Terpenes can be found in many foods, including fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Terpenes are responsible for the aroma of those plants, and some terpenes are highly potent.

Terpenes by themselves, are not psychoactive. However, they may produce unexpected results because they interact with THC and CBD.

What do Terpenes do?

Cannabis terpenes have been shown to have positive effects on mood and anxiety. Terpenes can also aid in the absorption of cannabinoids, implying that they are an essential component of cannabis' medical properties.

Terpenes could help you get a better night's sleep or reduce anxiety. Cannabis strains high in one or more fragrant terpenes may be beneficial. Terpenes are found in many plants and play an important role in essential oils. They're also used in aromatherapy to aid sleep, stress relief, and other ailments.

Terepenes and Cannabis

Terpenes are the primary component of cannabis responsible for its aroma and flavor. Terpenes are primarily responsible for the wide range of tastes, smells, and effects of cannabis. Terpenes have been studied for their ability to influence mood, relieve pain, and promote sleep. There are over 100 terpene molecules found in the cannabis plant.

Terpenes can help you determine which cannabis product you need. Choose one with high levels of linalool or myrcene if you want to improve your mood or energy. Choose one with high levels of caryophyllene or pinene if you want to relax or sleep better.

Do Terpenes Give You Energy?

Terpenes might give you energy. Terpenes are responsible for the powerful effects of cannabis on the body. They are a group of organic hydrocarbons that occur naturally in cannabis and many plants. Terpenes may bind to receptors in the human body to produce different results depending on which receptor they attach. One primary function of terpenes is their ability to influence how cannabinoids affect the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates many aspects of our health, such as sleep cycles, mood swings, and pain management. Their interaction with the endocannabinoid system helps cannabinoids do their job. This is usually called the entourage effect. We still need to learn more about the entourage effect, and most of the information on the subject still needs to be completed.

Common Types of Terpenes found in cannabis.

Limonene

Limonene is a terpene that is derived from the rinds of citrus fruits. It has a robust citrusy smell and flavor and is used in various products, including food, cleaning, and cosmetics. Limonene is believed to have several health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mood, and aiding in weight loss.

Caryophyllene

Cannabis, as well as other plants, contains caryophyllene terpenes. Terpenes like this one have a spicy, woody aroma and might interact with endocannabinoids. The effects of caryophyllene on inflammation and anxiety are also being studied.

 Pinene

Cannabis and pine trees both contain pinene, a terpene. Many cannabis strains have a distinctive pine smell because of it. Rosemary, basil, and sage also contain pinene.

Myrcene

The smell of myrcene is musky and earthy. It is often used in perfumes and as a flavoring in foods. Sedative properties can be obtained from myrcene in high concentrations.

Terpinolene

The monoterpene terpinolene can be found in many essential oils, such as pine, cypress, and lilac. The fragrance has a woody, floral smell and is used in cosmetics and perfumes. As an insecticide and antifungal, terpinolene is also well known.

Terpenes and Cannabis 

Terpenes can also be used to determine what kind of effects you might expect from specific products and strains, but much more research is still needed before we fully understand exactly how they work. As cannabis becomes more accepted in society, consumers need to be educated about these compounds to decide which products will work best for their needs. For more information on Medical Marijuana, book an appointment or visit our conditions page.

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This article has been reviewed by Steven Fiore, MD.

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