The Difference Between Cannabinoids and Terpenes

If you have used cannabis before, you probably know about cannabinoids. CBD and THC have been popular among mainstream users for many years. But now, terpenes are becoming more popular. These are not the same thing as cannabinoids, and knowing how to use terpenes can take your cannabis experience to a whole new level.

About Terpenes

Even if you do not know it, you have been experiencing terpenes all of your life. These are what give pine trees a unique scent and oranges their citrusy smell. They are even what make lavender so relaxing. Terpenes will determine the way that things smell, among other effects. 

This might surprise you because you might have thought that cannabinoids were what helped people get high and potentially find relief from certain medical conditions. However, it has been found that the terpenes also play a big role in these processes. Terpenes and cannabinoids work together to create the entourage effect. 

That just means that CBD and THC, as well as many other components, work together to affect you. The entire plant will do the job, not just part of it. Of course, THC or CBD oil can be used medicinally, but using all of the compounds together might be a better option, especially if you are a medical user who has chronic health conditions. 

The terpenes might either downplay or intensify the cannabinoids’ effects. You might have noticed in the past that similar strains can have different effects on someone. One strain might make you feel tired and not wanting to get off of the couch. On the other hand, another strain might make you feel energized and ready to go out with some friends. This is another way that the entourage effect can change. Both terpenes and cannabinoids work together to do this.

There are at least 20,000 terpenes in the world, and you can find more than 100 of them in the cannabis plant. Many of the terpenes that you can find in the cannabis plant can also be found out in nature. However, some of the terpenes are found more often in cannabis plants than other types of plants. 

The Myrcene Terpene

You can find myrcene in mangos, as well. This is one of the most common kinds of terpenes that you can find in the cannabis plant. In fact, the terpene profile of some plants has around 65 percent of myrcene in them.

Often, whether myrcene is present is used to determine if a plant is an indica or a sativa. If the plant has more than around 0.5 percent of myrcene, it will be an indica. This terpene also gives the plant a unique aroma. The properties of myrcene are relaxing, and they may also help with inflammation. Some strains that have a lot of myrcene in them include White Widow, Special Kush, and Skunk XL.

The Limonene Terpene

Limonene is the second most common terpene in the cannabis plant. You can also find limonene in different citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges. This is what gives some cannabis strains a citrusy smell. However, you might not find limonene in every strain. This terpene has antibacterial and antifungal properties. 

Because of limonene’s enjoyable smell, many people commonly add it to cosmetic products. Some people believe that limonene can improve their mood while reducing their stress. If you want to try a strain that is high in limonene, you should consider Super Lemon Haze, Sour Diesel, and OG Kush. 

The Pinene Terpene

Pinene terpene is found most often in pine trees, and it gives pine needles a unique smell. It is found in a couple of different varieties. The first is alpha-pinene, which gives the scent of pine. On the other hand, beta-pinene has a dill, parsley, or rosemary scent to it. Pinene can potentially reduce inflammation. If you want to try pinene, look for Blue Dream or Strawberry Cough.

The Linalool Terpene

If you like the relaxing effects of lavender, then you have encountered linalool before. It is known for potentially relieving anxiety, stress, and symptoms of depression. It also could balance out the anxiety that THC can sometimes cause, making it perfect for those who have anxiety who want to use cannabis. You can find it in OG Shark, Special Kush, and Amnesia Haze.

The Caryophyllene Terpene

This terpene can be found in both cinnamon and black pepper, and it is known for its peppery, woody, and spicy scent. Caryophyllene terpene might help with inflammation, anxiety, and depression. You can find caryophyllene in strains like Skywalker, Rock Star, and Super Silver Haze, to name a few.

The Humulene Terpene

Many cannabis strains are known for their effects on appetite. That can be helpful for people who have conditions that result in a loss of appetite. But a strain that has the humulene terpene might actually decrease your appetite, which might be good for people who want to lose weight. You can find this terpene in basil, cloves, and hops. It might also be antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Look for Sour Diesel, Girl Scout Cookies, or Liberty Haze to try the humulene terpene.

Vaping Your Terpenes

When you smoke your flower, you will end up destroying the terpenes, just like you end up destroying the cannabinoids. That is why you might want to look into trying a portable vaporizer where you can control the temperature. That way, you will get the most out of your cannabis. Terpenes have their own ideal temperatures, and they might vary quite a bit. Once you get a strain, look into the different temperatures that each terpene will release its effects. 

Closing Thoughts

Cannabinoids and terpenes are two cannabis compounds that you can use together to produce synergy. Today, growers are producing strains that have unique combinations of terpenes in them. If you select your strains based on the potential effects of the terpenes, you can get a result that you want.