If you consume terpenes, you may have wondered how they get their unique names. Have you considered why specific cannabis strains are named after something fruity, such as Lemon Meringue or Papaya Cake? On the other hand, some strains receive names like Burnt Toast and Sour Cheese. Interesting right? The answer to this question lies in cannabis terpenes. Terpenes give different cannabis strains their unique flavor and aroma. Ranging from citrusy and bright to earthy, terpenes create a unique flavor profile for each cannabis strain.
Although cannabis plants are mainly used because they have cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-THC, some studies show that terpenes may also have an effect on cannabis. Terpenes in marijuana and terpenes weed have long been a part of the discussion among various horticulturalists groups, cannabis-lovers and medical researchers. Besides their scent and flavor, marijuana terpenes or terpenes CBD can play a significant role in the possible effects you may feel from different cannabis strains. They can also affect the high you feel when consuming various cannabinoids. So, what are terpenes? Do terpenes have THC? How do they affect your high? Let’s find out.
What are Cannabis Terpenes?
The term “terpenes” is used to categorize a wide variety of secondary chemical compounds that are produced by cannabis. These compounds are also produced by nearly all other plants! Keep in mind that in the case of cannabis, the primary chemical compounds are the cannabinoids you enjoy consuming, such as CBD and THC. There are many terpenes in cannabis.
The secondary cannabis compounds in terpenes function in many different ways in order to support the plant’s growth. One typical example of cannabis terpenes is humulene, which is predominant in hops. You will also find it in sage, basil, clove, black pepper, and ginseng. Humulene carries a corresponding hoppy and unique aroma.
Terpenes’ benefits are unique and provide relief for different symptoms. For example, research has shown that humulene can be an effective and valuable topical anti-inflammatory as well as pain reliever in mice.
We need further research and medical studies to know exactly how the impacts of cannabis terpenes compare with terpenes derived from other sources. However, cannabis terpenes clearly support other cannabis molecules in generating the desired effects
How Do Terpenes Work?
You probably know that CBD and THC produce effects on their own. However, it is worth noting that different terpenes tend to enhance these effects. Terpenes work in various ways, and terpenes and their effects have been widely studied. In addition to injecting pleasant smells and tastes into the cannabis experience, keep in mind that these molecules play an essential role in the effects of each cannabis strain.
You should know that cannabis scientists and medical researchers have identified a significant interplay between cannabinoids and terpenes. And molecules from these two important families seem to work together in order to produce enhanced benefits. This phenomenon is commonly called the entourage effect.
For instance, caryophyllene, limonene, and pinene work together with THC to generate several benefits. Similarly, CBD and linalool have a unique synergistic relationship. Did you know that terpenes also produce unique effects entirely on their own? And many studies document the fascinating and remarkable effects of these valuable molecules in isolation.
Cannabis sativa is one of the popular strains with higher THC quantities. However, many sativa plants with higher quantities of caryophyllene are said to improve the high of THC. On the other hand, cannabis sativa plants that have higher quantities of limonene can increase alertness.
How Do Terpenes Affect My High?
So, you might be wondering if terpenes and cannabis can amplify psychoactive effects. Do they make you feel high or affect this feeling? Note that cannabis terpenes alone won’t give you an intoxicated feeling. In fact, even the highest or top terpene strains cannot create psychoactive effects with just terpenes.
You will have to take a psychoactive cannabinoid, such as THC, to get that high feeling. Terpenes work synergistically to increase the potential euphoric effects of many cannabinoids. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence that shows the synergy between the terpenes and cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, as well as how that influences or changes their effects on your body’s endocannabinoid system.
Through the entourage effect, cannabis terpenes can undoubtedly have an effect on your high. However, keep in mind that they are not usually described as triggering powerful highs or sensations on their own. You will be happy to know that they offer some relaxation and mood elevation similar to those effects you gain from essential oil aromatherapy. Also, they can boost the body’s uptake of its natural endocannabinoids. This may produce what people call a “runner’s high” sometimes!
Remember that THC is not the only factor when you want to get high. For example, cannabis terpenes pack many scents and unique flavors into your weed. However, they also have a wide range of effects solely on their own that can change your experience.
Are Terpenes Psychoactive?
While cannabis terpenes aren’t psychoactive, they tend to influence the plant’s impact on your body and brain. They primarily affect the way a specific plant tastes and smells. However, there is no doubt that the specific terpenes found in various cannabis strains, from psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids, can work along with the cannabinoids to produce the famous entourage effect.
So, in the traditional sense, there are no psychoactive terpenes in the cannabis plant, meaning that you can’t consume them to get high. However, if you use more leeway with what the term “high” means, it is possible to argue that cannabis terpenes are at least mildly or moderately psychoactive.
For instance, it has been demonstrated that the terpene geraniol causes a brief surge in endorphins that gives users a high. Myrcene and caryophyllene are two other terpenes that have modest sedative properties. Some people discover that these terpenes can give them a slight body buzz like CBD.
What Terpenes to Look for
Similar to cannabinoids, many cannabis terpenes have demonstrated an affinity to specific receptor sites within the central nervous system and brain. While there are more than 200 terpenes in cannabis plants, there are five to seven primary terpenes that tend to show up most often and have the most potent effects. These include Pinene, Humulene, Mycrene, and Terpinolene.
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most abundant and popular of all cannabis terpenes. Note that some varieties and strains of cannabis contain up to 60 percent of myrcene alone. It has a fruity and clove-like herbal smell. The oils of hops, citrus fruits, lemon grass, and eucalyptus all contain myrcene.
According to researchers, myrcene is a potent and valuable analgesic terpene that helps lower inflammation. You should know that a strain with high levels of myrcene can produce a “couch-lock” effect common to indica strains. In addition, many studies have shown that myrcene might have a mild sedative effect.
Linalool
If you are a fan of lavender, this terpene may be one of your favorite scents! Linalool is one of the main components that give lavender essential oil its pleasant and iconic scent. It is also among the most medically beneficial terpenes. You can use this sweet-floral aromatic terpene for controlling various symptoms, such as pain and depression. This has made it a favorite among medical marijuana users and patients with unique needs.
Humulene
Humulene is another terpene that can affect your high and is found in hops, ginseng, and several other plants. This spicy and earthy terpene contributes to fantastic flavors and aromas. Researchers believe that it has tumor-fighting as well as anti-cancer properties when it is synergized with other phytocannabinoids.
Borneol
Among the most popular and common cannabis terpenes, borneol has a herbal and woody aroma that users love. Borneol is found in herbs like mint and rosemary and helps reduce inflammation. It is also highly valued in Chinese medicine and has proven useful as an anticoagulant for stroke patients.
Limonene
Producing a tangy and citrusy smell, limonene is the second-most common terpene in all cannabis strains. When you consume it with cannabis, limonene is absorbed by inhalation. It can help improve mood, support the immune system, and reduce stress.
Other Terpenes
The above list contains some of the top or most important terpenes in the cannabis plant. However, note that there are more than a hundred more cannabis terpenes which are yet to be explored. We are only starting to understand and appreciate the interactions between this ‘entourage’ of unique chemicals and their tremendous potential for human health.
Final Thoughts
Terpenes are interesting and valuable compounds because of their entourage effect. This effect enhances the impacts of the cannabinoids CBD and THC. While terpenes alone can’t get you high, they can certainly contribute to a high because of their interaction with other chemicals.
You will be happy to know that terpenes are found in broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and terpsolate products. If you are looking to buy weed, hemp, or cannabis products online from a licensed and reputable dispensary, you should trust HOTBOX for all your needs. HOTBOX sells products, such as flowers and prerolls, tested for potency and purity and provides unmatched customer service. Visit our online store or email us at hello@smokehotbox.com
