Cannabis terpenes are aromatic oils secreted by the resin glands of the plant. They give cannabis strains their distinct flavor and smell. Terpenes play a role in the weed’s pungent, sweet scent and spicy taste when smoked or vaporized.
The best way to think of them is that they are the fine detail of the cannabis strain. The broad strokes are whether the cannabis plant is an energizing Sativa, a relaxing Indica, or a hybrid, and the various other cannabis compounds or terpenes are the cause of the variations between strains of the same type.
Becoming A Weed Connoisseur
If you get really into learning the differences between different cannabis compounds, knowing the marijuana terpenes and the way that common cannabis terpenes affect the body will be very important for you. It’s like knowing about the specific grape varietals and processes that go into making a bottle of wine, rather than just whether it’s red or white.
Activating Terpenes
Cannabis terpenes are activated and released at different temperatures. One of the reasons to vape weed rather than burn it is that burning is actually too hot for most terpenes – they will still have an effect, but most of the terpene will be destroyed by the fire rather than activated. Vaping allows for precise temperature control so you can target specific terpenes in cannabis.
How To Vape Weed
Vaping is a great way to imbibe cannabis without inhaling burning vegetable matter (in case you don’t like that) but without the delayed effect and uncertainty of edibles (is it working yet? Should I take more?). Vaporizers work by heating…
What Is The Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is the idea that all of the different compounds in weed, including the cannabis terpenes, work together to create a specific effect. Each terpene has its own unique properties and when combined with other weed compounds like cannabinoids, the way the terpenes interact can have a bigger impact on your body than if you just took one compound alone. For example, some terpenes provide calming effects while others give you energy. Combining other terpenes with both of these in weed could result in an energizing yet calming effect overall.
List of Marijuana Terpenes
Here is a partial list of the most common cannabis terpenes and their effects. Most of this information is sourced from this article on CNBS.org. Included is the “boiling point” of cannabis derived terpenes – the temperature at which the terpene is converted to vapor. To experience a specific terpene at its strongest set your vape to this temperature.
What Does It Feel Like To Be High?
Different people have different experiences, but that’s not to say some things are not generally true. In order to make this readable I will avoid using phrases like “for me” or “in my experience”. You should feel free to mentally…
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most abundant weed terpenes found in cannabis and is known for its sedative, calming effects. It’s often associated with Indica strains and has an earthy, herbal aroma. Myrcene is known to promote sleep, decrease inflammation, reduce pain sensitivity, and even act as a muscle relaxant. Research suggests that myrcene can also increase the psychoactivity of other weed compounds such as THC, allowing for a stronger “high” effect. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety levels and can help with symptoms of depression.
Boiling Point: 332°F
Linalool
Linalool has a sweet, floral aroma and is known for its calming effects. It is also found in lavender – a plant often associated with sleep and relaxation in aromotherapy. Linalool has been shown to reduce anxiety levels, promote sleep, decrease inflammation, reduce pain sensitivity, and act as a muscle relaxant.
Boiling Point: 338°F
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is a terpene that has a distinctive aroma, ranging from herbal and floral to citrusy and piney. It is known for its calming effects, helping to reduce anxiety levels, promote sleep and act as a muscle relaxant. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce pain sensitivity as well as antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Boiling Point: 122°F
Humulene
Humulene is a terpene that has an earthy, woodsy aroma. It is found in many weed strains and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to reduce pain sensitivity.
Boiling Point: 222°F
Ocimene
Ocimene is a cannabis terpene that has a sweet, herbal aroma and is known for its energizing effects. It’s found in many weed strains and helps to stimulate the mind while providing an overall uplifting feeling. This terpene may help boost energy levels by acting as a stimulant, making it a great choice for those looking for an extra burst of motivation or focus during their day. And it works as a decongestant!
Boiling Point: 122°F
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a cannabis terpene that has an earthy, spicy aroma. It’s found in many weed strains and helps to reduce anxiety levels while providing an overall calming feeling. Caryophyllene may also act as a muscle relaxant to further promote relaxation by acting on the CB2 receptor, making it a great choice for those looking for relief from stress or tension.
Boiling Point: 266°F
Guaiol
Guaiol is a cannabis terpene that has a piney, woodsy aroma and is known for its medicinal properties. It’s found in many weed strains and helps to reduce inflammation, pain sensitivity, and stress levels while providing an overall calming effect.
Boiling Point: 197°F
Limonene
Limonene is a cannabis terpene that has a strong citrus aroma and is known for its uplifting effects. As well as anti-anxiety properties, it also has anti-depressant and anti-tumor properties. It may also act as an appetite stimulant by increasing hunger hormones, making it beneficial for those looking to increase their caloric intake or improve digestion.
Boiling Point: 348°F
Pinene
Pinene is a cannabis terpene that has an earthy and woodsy aroma, with hints of, you guessed it, pine. It may act as both a muscle relaxant and bronchodilator to further promote relaxation by acting on the CB2 receptor or widening airways for better breathing. It also actually lessens some of the effects of THC, which can be a good thing depending on the strain!
Boiling Point: 311°F
Bisabolol
Bisabolol is a cannabis terpene that has a sweet and floral aroma with hints of citrus fruits. It’s found in many weed strains and helps to reduce inflammation, pain sensitivity, anxiety levels, and stress while providing an overall calming effect. Bisabolol also possesses anti-microbial properties which can help protect against disease-causing bacteria as well as antioxidant properties which can help neutralize free radicals in the body.
Boiling Point: 397°F
Camphene
Camphene is a cannabis terpene with an earthy, woodsy aroma and a hint of pine. It may also help control cholesterol.
Boiling Point: 318°F
Geraniol
Geraniol is a cannabis terpene with a sweet and floral aroma similar to, you guessed it, geraniums, That’s because this terpene is also found in them. It has anti-tumor, antoioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-viral properties.
Boiling Point: 446°F
Valencene
Valencene is a cannabis terpene with a sweet and citrusy aroma – it’s commonly found in Valencia oranges, hence the name.
Boiling Point: 253°F
Pulegone
Pulegone is a cannabis terpene with a strong minty aroma. It is said to be good at offsetting the short-term memory loss that will be familiar to many recreational cannabis users.
Boiling Point: 433°F
How To Get Unhigh
A weed high is great, but as with other drugs too much THC can be bad (that’s what “too much” means!) It can make a person feel worse, not better, if too much cannabis is taken, whatever the consumption method.…
How Do I Know What Cannabis Terpenes Are In My Weed?
If you got your weed from a dispensary it probably has a label listing the terpene profiles. When you buy, if you’re looking for something specific, you can speak to a budtender and ask them what marijuana strains do they recommend that match that profile. They can match the cannabis plants to your requirements.
If you got your cannabis somewhere else, well, if you know what strain it is you can look it up. Assuming it actually is that strain, you can probably find out about the terpene profile of certain cannabis strains online. A good place to check is the always-reliable Leafly.com.
Conclusion
In conclusion, weed terpenes are molecules responsible for the weed’s pungent scent and flavor as well as its medicinal benefits. They interact with other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, to produce different kinds of effects on the body, so weed enthusiasts should be aware of them!
