Terpenes are secondary chemical compounds that cannabis plants produce to support the production of their primary cannabinoids.
They can make a big difference in the way you feel when smoking cannabis. This is why it’s important to understand the terpenes in your strain.
Pinene
Pinene is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis and many other plants. It can be detected by its piney, turpentine-like aroma and taste.
Like many other terpenes, pinene is used for a variety of healing benefits. It can reduce inflammation, soothe nerves, and promote sleep.
In addition, it can help relieve pain and anxiety. In small amounts, it can also act as a bronchodilator and expectorant, making breathing easier for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Pinene is most commonly found in sativa strains. However, it can be found in other types of marijuana as well. It can be extracted from flowers or as a part of whole plant extracts.
Limonene
Limonene is a terpene that contributes to the fruity, citrus aromas in cannabis strains. It’s also found in many everyday items, like food and cleaning products, that contain the scent of citrus fruits.
In addition to its scent, limonene is thought to have antioxidant properties. It also may reduce inflammatory markers that relate to osteoarthritis, as well as protect against cancer.
The anti-inflammatory properties of limonene can be credited to its ability to inhibit the production of nitric oxide, a key signaling molecule in inflammatory pathways. This can be especially helpful for people with osteoarthritis and other diseases that are characterized by chronic inflammation.
It has also been shown to reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice. However, more research is needed to confirm these health benefits in humans.
Caryophyllene
Known for its spicy aroma, Caryophyllene is a prominent component in many cannabis strains. It adds a peppery flavor to many popular hybrids and is commonly found in hops, cloves, rosemary, and cannabis.
It is the only terpene that has been scientifically proven to act directly on the endocannabinoid system in humans. That means it binds to CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the body that are activated by THC and CBD.
It is also a natural pain reliever for some people due to its inflammation reduction effects. In fact, some studies show it can help reduce anxiety as well.
Humulene
Humulene is a popular terpene in cannabis that can be found in almost all strains. Its aroma is reminiscent of a beer that’s brewed with hops, and its flavor is spicy and herbaceous.
In terpene journey cannabis, it is often used to help elevate moods, increase energy levels, and relieve stress. It is also a powerful analgesic (painkilling) and anti-inflammatory, as well as a mild sedative.
As an anorectic (suppresses appetite), humulene can help reduce weight. It has a long history of use in Chinese medicine, and is believed to act similarly to the steroid dexamethasone. It’s also considered to have anti-tumor properties.
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis. It’s typically present in over 40% of commercially available strains.
This monoterpene is a natural organic hydrocarbon and is produced during photosynthesis in the flowering stages of plants, particularly during peak flowering. It carries earthy and spicy aromas with musky notes that are often likened to cloves.
It’s found in a variety of plants, including lemongrass, parsley, thyme, hops, and mangoes. Some people believe that eating a mango about forty-five minutes before consuming cannabis can help to enhance the effects of the cannabis, as well as boosting the intensity of THC in your body.
It is also thought to be a sedative and anti-inflammatory. This is because it lowers the barrier that allows chemicals to pass across the blood to brain barrier. This is especially helpful for cannabinoids such as THC, which has a hard time passing through this barrier.
