Are you a fan of cannabis flower? Then we’re betting you’re all too familiar with some of the aromas of certain strains. The gasoline smell of Sour Diesel. The citrusy scent of Super Lemon Haze. Just the mere thought of specific strains can leave you dreaming about their signature profiles. But have you ever wondered why they have those complex aromas? It’s their terpenes! Let’s look at terpenes and their effects in this comprehensive terpenes 101 guide.
All About Terpenes
Also known as terps, terpenes are the compounds responsible for cannabis’ unmistakable smells and flavors. They can also impact plants’ pigmentation. There are over 150 known terpenes found in cannabis today, though most are present in trace amounts.
Terpenes exist in trichomes. Those are the mushroom-shaped, sticky, translucent glands that cover the plant’s flowers and leaves. Terps are volatile and evaporate quickly. This means terpenes are easily lost during the standard cannabis extraction process. However, some methods, like live resin, are more sensitive and protect the terpenes from breaking down during extraction.
Since this is terpene 101, terpenes are also found in other plants and animals. Besides the cannabis plant, terpenes are naturally present in:
- Citrus fruits
- Mangoes
- Spices and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage
- Flowers and plants, like lavender and pine
- Animals (they can ward off predators!)
Terpenes and their Effects
Though they’re finally entering the conversation surrounding cannabis, terpenes are nothing new. Their aromatic properties have long been used in products of all types. Some terpenes even get processed into products like cleaning solvents, insect repellents, and pesticides. Others are utilized for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. Common examples include lavender oil and turmeric, which are used for aromatherapy and anti-inflammatory purposes. They contain terpenes – linalool (lavender) and curcumene (turmeric)!
Terpenes 101: Do Terpenes Get You High?
Different cannabis terpenes may affect your mood or physical state due to their aromas and flavors. For example, citrus smells are associated with energizing and uplifting effects, while scents like lavender are more calming. But do terpenes get you high?
No, they don’t have any intoxicating effects! At least not in the traditional sense. However, they are believed to impact the effects of THC, making the high more potent and longer-lasting. Some of the 101+ terpenes, like myrcene, are known for working together with other cannabis compounds. This is better known as the entourage effect. All the little plant compounds each have their effects, and their behaviors can change in the presence of others.
Because of terpenes and their effects, many believe that too much emphasis is placed on THC content and whether a strain is sativa, hybrid, or indica. They’re not wrong. Though often ignored, terpenes have the potential to impact your entire cannabis experience significantly.
They may also play a big part in the effects of indica and sativa strains. That’s why you’ll typically find citrus-forward (energizing) terpenes in sativas and earthy (relaxing) terpenes in indicas.
Common Terpenes in Cannabis
No terpenes 101 guide is complete without talking about the common terps! There are primary and secondary terps in each strain. The primary terpenes influence aroma and flavor. The secondary, underlying terpenes add depth to the primary terpenes and their effects.
Myrcene
Profile: herbaceous; spicy; musky
This is one of the most common terps found in cannabis, though it’s also found in mangoes and lemongrass. Myrcene strains are known for delivering full-body relaxation and sedative effects. It may also lead to couch-lock. That’s why this terp is often used for sleep! Give OG Kush, Blue Dream, and Granddaddy Purple a go to try myrcene.
Limonene
Profile: citrus; fruity
Did the name give it away? This terp is known for its citrus smell—it’s no wonder it’s commonly found in citrus rinds like lemon and orange! It offers uplifting and energizing effects but may also help promote relaxation and stress relief.
A helpful terpene 101 tip: if a strain includes the words “sour” or “lemon,” odds are it’s limonene-dominant. Your limonene strains include Super Lemon Haze and Pink Runtz.
Caryophyllene
Profile: spicy; peppery
Ever experienced a peppery bite when smoking a particular strain? It was probably caryophyllene-dominant! This terp is found in black pepper and other spices and is abundant in strains high in THC. A terpenes 101 fast fact: it’s the only terpene that also acts as a cannabinoid. It binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This terp is soothing and relaxing. Common strains include Sour Diesel and Girl Scout Cookies.
Linalool
Profile: floral
Linalool is in hundreds of plants! High in linalool, lavender has been used in aromatherapy and as a natural sleep aid for centuries. Linalool-dominant cannabis isn’t much different! They’re associated with relaxation and stress relief. Experience these terpenes and their effects with Lavender Kush, Do Si Dos and Amnesia Haze.
Humulene
Profile: earthy, herbaceous, woodsy with a hint of spice
This terp gives hoppy beers their distinctive taste! It’s also present in ginseng and spices like cloves and basil. Humulene usually appears in smaller amounts compared to other terps like myrcene and limonene. But it still provides subtle earthy and floral notes to cannabis strains like Headband and Death Star.
Terpenes 101
THC and CBD are not the only ones that influence your smoking experience. Terps do too! They play a massive role in their smells, flavors, and effects! That’s why you want to consider the many terpenes and their effects the next time you’re at a dispensary near you. Use this terpenes 101 guide and experiment with different strains to discover which terpenes and products you like best!
