WHAT ARE TERPENES?

WHAT ARE TERPENES?

Terpenes are aromatic oils secreted by various types of plants, including cannabis plants, and produce scents, smells, and tastes. Terpenes come in a variety of scents that were naturally created by nature for the purpose of luring pollinators and repelling predators.

To learn more about terpenes, keep reading. We'll tell you everything you need to know and quench your curiosity.

BENEFITS AND EFFECTS OF TERPENES

Terpenes are found in several different plants, not just in cannabis. Terpenes are the oils that give cannabis their different scents. From citrus-smelling aromas to earthy scents, terpenes have been found to give more energizing qualities as well as soothing qualities.

The aromatic properties of terpenes are comparable to those qualities of aromatherapy. If you've ever used aromatherapy, you're probably aware of how simple it is to use.

By simply inhaling different kinds of smells, your body can have emotional changes. Additionally, terpenes may even have physical and mental effects on the body.

A study featured in the Journal of Toxicological Research reviewed the body's changes following the practice of forest-bathing in environments that are rich in terpenes. Those who did practice forest-bathing in environments that are rich in terpenes were found to incur various benefits thought to have been from the terpenes in the environment. The terpenes were thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and neuroprotective effects.

Terpenes have also been found to play an important role in the therapeutic and medicinal uses of cannabis.

DO TERPENES CAUSE A HIGH?

On their own, terpenes cannot cause you to get high. You can become somewhat dizzy if you repeatedly sniff them, but no amount of inhaling will get you high.

However, many scientists have expressed that they believe that terpenes work together with other substances to give users the high that they crave with cannabis.

As we discussed, terpenes are found in many different plants such as fruit, trees, and similar. We’ll talk more on that shortly. The majority of plants containing terpenes don't cause a high. Thus, terpenes alone cannot provide a high.

TYPES OF TERPENES

There are several different kinds of terpenes. Each type has its own scent.

Just like with aromatherapy, each scent boosts a different kind of mood. From sleepiness and happiness to energy and relaxation, there is a scent for every kind of mood and feeling.

Let's explore each type of terpene and highlight how the flavors and scents of each could improve and boost your mood and energy.

Limonene

Limonene has a citrus-like aroma that has been said to help increase energy levels. Along with this, it may help relieve anxiety and stress.

If you've used aromatherapy in the past, you can equate limonene to orange scents. In fact, limonene is found in the rinds of oranges. Along with this, limonene is found in the rinds of lemons as well as junipers and peppermint.

People have used limonene for various conditions like anxiety, depression, and even more severe conditions. Additionally, some have painful, inflammatory conditions and have anecdotally claimed to enjoy benefits with limonene.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common kind of terpene that is used in medicinal cannabis. This kind of terpene has an herbal scent and taste. Perhaps, this is why it is favored by the medical community.

Myrcene gives a calming effect. In fact, it provides the most calming effect of all of the types of terpenes and could even help people with falling asleep at night.

This kind of terpene can also be found in lemongrass, hops, thyme, and mangos. Anecdotally, people have used it to help with insomnia, pain, and inflammation.

Pinene

Pinene is the most abundant kind of terpene in nature. It has the aroma of pine trees and has somewhat calming properties.

Pinene is found in pine needles, rosemary, parsley, dill, and basil. This terpene is useful for those who want to increase their alertness and memory retention.

Pinene is researched and used by some for treating pain, inflammation, and anxiety. The natural scent is great for those people who want a more natural flavor.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a kind of terpene that has a peppery taste. As the taste would imply, caryophyllene is found in black pepper. With this, it is found in cloves and cinnamon.

This kind of terpene has been used for stress relief. It is the perfect balance between energizing and calming.

People have used caryophyllene to help their depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

Linalool

Linalool gives off a floral aroma. It can be found in lavender and birch bark. Lavender is a popular ingredient in many aromatherapies because of the effects of this terpene.

Its calming effects promote relaxation and could help with insomnia. Along with this, linalool may help with inflammation, anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases.

Linalool is believed to relax the body and help with overall improvement of mood.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is a kind of terpene with uplifting effects. Every one in ten terpenes is a terpinolene.

This kind of terpene can be found in lilacs, nutmeg, and cumin as well as tea tree, conifers, and apples. It gives off the smell of pine, flowers, and herbs.

Terpinolene has been researched for many health effects. Several studies have linked terpinolene to antioxidant-like abilities, antibacterial abilities, and anti-fungal abilities. On top of this, it has even been found to promote anti-cancer properties in the body.

Humulene

Humulene gives off an herbal smell that delivers earthy and woody vibes. This terpene aroma can also be found in hops, coriander, cloves, and basil.

This terpene has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Along with this, it has also been linked to anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties.

Humulene has also been identified as a possible appetite-suppressant.

Ocimene

Ocimene is a kind of terpene that is commonly found in perfumes. It has a sweet, citrusy scent.

This kind of terpene is also featured in mint, parsley, kumquats, mangoes, pepper, and orchids. The scent is more energizing than calming.

Many studies have found that ocimene may have antiviral, antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It may also be a decongestant.

HIGHEST TERPENE CANNABIS STRAINS

There are a few strains of cannabis that stand out for their content of terpenes. This is important if you're looking to take advantage of some of these qualities and scents. Also note, the type and variety of terpene will range from plant to plant and grower to grower, so you may need to speak with your local grower or dispensary to obtain a lab test or find out which types of terpenes are in the cannabis before you buy.

Blue Dream. This strain contains a high amount of myrcene as well as smaller amounts of limonene, caryophyllene, and pinene. This mix may provide anti-inflammatory properties as well as pain relief.

Sour Diesel.This mix is mainly made up of myrcene and limonene. Together, these two types of terpenes deliver an energizing punch.

Dutch Treat.This strain of cannabis is mainly made up of terpinolene. It is popularly used to help people with insomnia find peace and sleep at night.

Northern Lights.Mainly made up of caryophyllene, Northern Lights provides peppery aroma. This kind of terpene may also help with controlling inflammation.

Pineapple. Pineapple is a cultivar of cannabis that is mainly composed of pinene. This combination will give you uplifting effects as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

Fire OG. This strain of cannabis is mainly made up of linalool. If you're looking for something that may help you control your anxiety, this may be it.

As you're looking for your chosen strain(s), you should consider that strains may be different when they're provided by different people. Be sure to ask your dispensary for a terpene profile before you buy a strain.

TERPENE PROFILES

If you're wondering how you can identify the terpene profiles of different marijuana or hemp products, you can do this. When you're purchasing a product, you should be able to review a lab test that was done on the product before it is available for sale.

This lab test can tell you how much of each kind of terpene is in that specific kind of product. These profiles are useful if you're looking for a certain scent or a certain collection of scents. You can also view these profiles if you're looking for certain qualities. Just compare those profiles to the qualities of the different kinds of terpene that we discussed earlier.

TERP SAUCE

Terp sauce consists of crystallized structures in a terpene-rich syrup. This product was created when consumers expressed the want for more terpene-rich ingestibles.

Terp sauce contains more than 50% terpenes and can help you get more out of the effects of terpenes. The high concentration is achieved after the extractor uses low temperatures during the extraction process.

Terp sauce does still contain some of the minor ingredients of cannabis, so you can still feel the effects that you've had with other products previously.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE EFFECTS

After hearing about terpenes and the potential effects, you may be excited to try some for yourself. To explore terpene rich cannabis products, feel free to visit our online store, contact us, or stop by your local dispensary near you and ask one of our helpful team members all of the terpene questions you may have! We’d be happy to help!