Cannabis is a unique plant. The more we uncover its intricate makeup, the more we appreciate its distinctiveness. One crucial aspect of this complexity is terpenes, which are hydrocarbons (molecules of hydrogen and carbon) known for their potent effects.
Terpenes can affect everything from the taste to the therapeutic effects of your weed strain. Knowing the terpene types and their effects can help you choose the weed strain best suited to your needs.
So, use this article to learn more about cannabis-derived terpenes, their important effects, and how to ensure you get the most from their benefits.
Terpenes are hydrocarbons found in plants. They are the organic compounds responsible for the natural smells we associate with flowers and other aromatic plants. Terpenes are often used in essential oils and as additives in things like cleaning supplies.
In the case of cannabis, terpenes contribute to the plant’s unique aroma and may also have therapeutic effects. Each weed strain has its specific terpene profile, which gives it a distinct scent and may influence the overall effects experienced by individuals.
Terpenes, which are found in cannabis and other plants, offer a variety of health benefits. These compounds have medicinal properties ranging from anti-viral to anti-anxiety effects. The terpenes present in your weed can significantly improve your overall well-being.
While the different types of cannabis strains like indica, sativa, and hybrids impact your mind and body, terpenes also play a significant role in shaping your experience when smoking. This is mainly due to a process known as the ‘entourage effect.’
While the amount of THC in a product is a good indicator of what potency to expect, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Cannabinoids and their interaction with the human body are much more complex. The actual process is perfectly explained with ‘the entourage effect.’
Studies have shown that terpenes and their interaction with cannabinoids in the human body have more of an effect on your high than the amount of THC in your product. It’s not just THC acting on its own but rather a synergistic act with cannabis-derived terpenes.
THC and terpenes work better when combined and offer a variety of effects that are more intense than they would be if consumed on their own.
When you understand terpenes, their effects, and how they influence THC and your mood, you can enjoy a whole new world of cannabis.
As mentioned above, terpenes are found in various plants, and cannabis has its cannabis-derived terpenes found naturally in the flower. Here are a few of the most common ones.
Here is a more comprehensive list of common terpenes and their effects for a more in-depth guide.
Whether it be a cannabis-derived terpene or an added one, terpenes have a range of effects. The above terpenes are no exception. Let’s take a look at which cannabis-derived terpenes to use for your needs.
Cannabis, especially indica strains, are known for offering fantastic sleep support. Whether it be sedation or reducing anxiety, marijuana with the below terpenes will help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Cannabis has been used for pain management for millennia. Modern studies support that they can drastically improve the quality of life for people struggling with chronic pain caused by cancer, arthritis, gout, etc.
To take full advantage of the entourage effect, look for strains with the following pain-fighting terpenes:
Sativa strains are known for their mood and energy-enhancing properties. Combined with these terpenes, you can take advantage of all the energy and focus benefits of cannabis.
Terpenes can also help to manage anxiety, and it’s often the same terpenes used to treat sleep disorders. Both issues require cannabis and terpenes that alleviate stress and loosen the muscles.
Look for the following terpenes:
Terpenes’ abilities aren’t limited to your moods, sleep, and pain. They also work as an effective antimicrobial and antifungal topical.
For these benefits, look for cannabis with the following terpenes:
While terpenes are naturally occurring, they can have some adverse effects. These are usually caused by overconsumption or a previously unknown allergy.
If you react negatively to terpenes, it can cause gastrointestinal issues and seizures. If you start to feel sick, give the cannabis-derived terpenes a break or lower your cannabis dose.
To ensure safe use, do a small batch test of any new weed you’re trying. This way, you can catch if you react strangely to the terpenes before it develops into something serious.
Terpenes are psychoactive compounds, but they don’t have cannabinoids, which get you high. Instead, it’s the combination of terpenes and THC – the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis – that causes the euphoric state known as a “high.”
Terpenes, like those found in essential oils, may positively affect your mood with aromatherapy but won’t have the necessary compound to get you high.
The terpenes found in cannabis are the real deal. They’re completely natural. However, some products might have synthetic terpenes to create different effects combinations.
While they’re both used quite frequently, natural terpenes are better than synthetic ones.
Synthetic terpenes are often made from chemicals that can be dangerous when inhaled or ingested regularly – especially in large quantities.
Natural terpenes also have better and deeper aromas because the terpenes structure is more sophisticated than their synthetic counterparts.
If you can, opt for natural terpenes over synthetic ones.
Cannabis with more terpenes will have a more intense flavor profile and effects. However, determining the potency without the right equipment can be challenging.
Your best bet is to ask your supplier about the terpene potency. Some dispensaries do gas chromatography, which uses extracts, flame ionization detection, and mass spectrometry to determine the terpene potency in cannabis.
While testing is more accurate, it can be hard to understand, so buying high-quality weed is essential.
Instead of listing the terpenes, compare the product THC with the product effects to get a feel for the terpene and cannabis potency.
For example, here at Embarc, we list product ingredients and potencies. We also list the strain and the expected effects of the cannabis, like “calm,” “happy,” and “energetic.” That way, you don’t need to keep track of all the different types of terpenes, and there is no guesswork involved.
While THC is the most essential compound in cannabis, it doesn’t work alone. At its side are various other compounds that affect the potency and the high – the most prominent of which is terpenes.
Terpenes are naturally occurring hydrocarbons in cannabis. They affect the flavor profile of cannabis and its mental and physical effects on the human body.
Exploring terpenes’ effects will help you discover weed and its benefits more deeply.
If you’re ready to try cannabis and a variety of terpene-induced effects, try Embarc’s high-quality cannabis at unbeatable prices. Give it a go and visit your nearest Embarc location today!
