Terpenes are organic hydrocarbons with fragrance that is present in the majority of flowering plants and some of the soft-drugs like cannabis among them. These compounds are cyclized terpenoids that are the main chemical that determines the distinct odor and taste which varies from one strain of cannabis to another. Apart from odor, terpenes also utilize a vital role and in this blog, we shall discuss how cannabis impacts our body and brain.

What is the Purpose of Terpenes in Plants? 

Terpenes are synthesized in plants for various reasons that are explained below. Looking at the matter from the perspective of human use, it is obvious that in nature, terpenes act as a protection from active and passive herbivores and as a call for pollinators. For example, the aroma of some terpenes keeps pests away from your plants while, on the other, some attract pollinators. 

In cannabis, such volatile substances are essential in characterizing the strain and attribute to its qualities. Since terpenes are involved in how a plant relates to the environment and other organisms, these compounds help to determine the plant’s chances of survival and its reproductive plan. Furthermore, they can also be of medicinal value of the plant to some extent for instance fungicidal and bactericidal properties. 

How Terpenes Work 

Terpenes work hand in hand with cannabinoids and other components found in cannabis in something known as the ‘entourage effect’ whereby terpenes add to THC and CBD experience in a way that could be either improving or moderating. For instance, the presence of some terpenes will increase the stupefying impact of THC while others will negate it to an extent that the high is normal. 

Also, terpenes interact with chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, including mood, stress and cognition. Depending on how they interact with various receptors, terpenes can make cannabis effects stronger or longer lasting and the effects of each strain are different. This interplay is the reason why two strains containing equal THC percentages will provide dramatically different experiences. 

Common Types of Terpenes in Cannabis

Researchers have identified more than one hundred terpenes found in cannabis and each one of it has a distinct smell and effect. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Myrcene 

Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis plants and is claimed to have a number of benefits on the body. This is of an odor similar to that of the damp earth, musk and cloves. This terpene is extremely useful for laying people, causing relaxation and lack of stress hence Myrcene is common in marijuana that is used to neutralize stress and sleeplessness. 

• Limonene 

Limonene means a citrus smell; it is in citrus and cannabis plants: Limonene though also a terpene has other functions other than smell in cannabis and other citrus plants and is used for taste. It is out of this terpene that people have hailed for helping to create a feeling of cheerfulness and happiness. It is most of the time encountered in the strains that are used to treat anxiety and depression related disorders. 

• Pinene 

The flavor of pinene is as the meaning in the name implies so it has a pine type flavor. This terpene is soluble in many plants and more particularly quite popular in the pines for instance. Pinene has been noted to have anti-inflammatory effects and also helps in the dilation of the bronchial muscle hence useful for enabling proper breathing. 

• Linalool 

It has a strong floral scent, similar to what you’d find in lavender. It in particular, is credited for working as an anxiolytic which simply means that it reduces levels of anxiety. Extremely common in the types that are intended for leisure and to ease a person from stress. 

• Caryophyllene 

Caryophyllene has a spiced-pepper like as far as smell is concerned and is generally linked to black pepper and cloves. This terpene is one of those terpenes which has impacts on the human endocannabinoid system that can reduce inflammation and serve as an analgesic. 

The Effects of Terpenes 

The terpenes do not only offer flavor and smell, which add onto the impacts of cannabis as well. Here’s how some common terpenes can influence your cannabis experience:

1. Enhancing the High 

Some terpenes can even intensify the feelings of high induced by THC which is the principle active component of cannabis. For instance myrcene boosts the ability of the cell membranes to be permeable so enables THCA to be absorbed in large quantities. This may result in a longer lasting high, which is why myrcene rich strains are preferred by these users with their desire of reaching a much higher high. 

2. Modulating the Effects 

It is also important to know that terpenes can influence the impact of other cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. For instance, limonene, which is an excellent example of the compounds, helps to reduce some of the anxiety that comes with the use of THC. This makes limonene- rich strains ideal for people who are easily affected by the psychoactive effects of THC but have to benefit from it in some way. 

3. Therapeutic Benefits 

The terpenes also possess other health enhancing qualities of their own. For instance, linalool has clearly been identified to have non-caffeinated anxiolytic and sedative qualities, attributed as response to stress and sleep. For instance it has been established that linalool-rich strains offer therapeutic effects that are generally well-admired by medical cannabis users. 

What Terpene Profile Should You Be Choosing? 

In choosing the specific cannabis variety, the percentage of THC and CBD has to be taken into consideration as well as the composition of terpenes. Here’s how you can choose the right terpene profile for your needs:

For Relaxation: If you just want to get rid of your stress, you should go for CBD rich strains containing high levels of myrcene and linalool. Humble citral, these terpenes are some of the best-known to affect the central nervous system in a manner that is calming and sedative. Cannabis that has been classified as relaxant includes Granddaddy Purple and Lavender. 

For Energy and Focus: If you want to feel energized and uplifted then you should go for the strains with high concentration of limonene and pinene. Such terpenes can alleviate anxiety and lift the mood while others can enhance the ability to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. The use of such strains as Super Lemon Haze, as well as Jack Herer, are reputed to have stellar uplifting impacts. 

For Pain Relief: If you’re trying to find a strain for pain relief then those that contain substantial amounts of caryophyllene could be most effective. This terpene has both the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Some are particularly popular for the pain relieving quality they hold such as Girl Scout Cookies and Bubba Kush. 

Conclusion 

It is so important to make sure that anyone interested in benefiting from cannabis understands the terpenes. Many of these aromatic compounds do not only characterize the flavor and smell of different strains but are also responsible for most of their psychoactive effects. When looking at the terpene profile, the individual is well-equipped to make better decisions and fine-tune his or her cannabis usage. 

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