Today we are talking about the unforgettable smell of cannabis. Why does cannabis hit you in the face when it comes to its scent? Well, there’s actually a really simple explanation! That answer is terpenes! Terpenes are an organic compound found everywhere, from plants to insects! These aromatic almost resins have many effects on animals and humans. A cannabis plant terpenes are part of its self-defense from animals and to lure pollinators. I’m breathing deeply right now wishing I had some terps on me just typing this out. So there’s a couple of different terpenes we will be talking about today and will go into detail how they affect us. Terpenes also contribute to the entourage effect that cannabis has. There are over 200 different types of terpenes that can be located in cannabis.
So starting off our list of scents is a-PINENE. It has a strong pine smell and can also be found in basil and dill! It aids in asthma, ulcers, and cancer. It makes you alert helps retain memory and can counteract some THC. You can find this terpene in strains like Romulan, OG Kush, and Jack Herer. When I lived in Texas pine trees were way more prevalent so a-PINENE holds fond memories for me.
Next, we have Myrcene an earthy and musky relaxing terpene. It is known for its couch lock effect. Used to treat insomnia and inflammation pain. This tasty terps can also be found in mango, lemongrass, and hops! Myrcene is heavy in strains like Roze and Blue Dream.
Moving on we have Limonene a citrusy tangy terp. Providing mood elevation and stress relief, this terpene is used for anxiety and depression. Some strange strains with a high percent of Limonene include super lemon haze and sour diesel. You can find this same terpene in your fruit rinds, peppermint, and juniper.
Coming up we have Beta-Caryophyllene. This terpene might surprise you with a kick! It’s spicy, peppery and clove tones make a really fun terpene. This brings stress relief so great for ulcers and pain. This hot terp can also be found in black pepper and cinnamon. Terpenes are everywhere! Find Beta-Caryophyllene in strains like Death Star, Girl Scout Cookies, and Candyland.
Linalool is our next terpene a soft floral scent reminding us all of our favorite flowers. Sedative and mood-enhancing this terpene is sure to help you through a tough time assisting in depression, neurologic degeneration, and insomnia. You can find this beautiful terp in lavender. Strains like Grand Daddy Purp and Pure Kush have proven to have a high percentage of linalool.
Our sixth most prevalent terpene is Humulene. A very Woody as well as earthy terpene that provides tons of anti-inflammatory goodies. Normally found in hops or coriander! It can be found in strains like Skywalker OG, White widow, and headband. This is a perfect terpene for those who have arthritis!
Our final most common terpene is going to be Terpinolene, which smells flowery, piney, and herbal! It is a sedative terpene, to say the least! At the same time, it’s used as an antioxidant! Who would’ve known! This terpene can also be found in nutmeg, tea trees, and apples, yum! You can find Terpinolene in Dutch Treat, SnowCap, and Shipwreck!
Just like cannabinoids, terpenes have a slightly different effect on everyone. It is suggested that oneself explore many different terpenes found in cannabis to find your right terp for any occasion. The first sign of a good match would take place with a simple sniff test. Smell your bud before purchase and this will help you tremendously, also feel free to ask your budtender for a list of terpenes tested in your bud.
SOURCES:
Rahn, B. (2019, January 16). What Are Cannabis Terpenes and What Do They Do? Retrieved July 26, 2019, from https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy
BY: CANNACHRISSY, LLC
