What Are Cannabis Terpenes and What Do They Do?

Cannabis plants are made up of all kinds of compounds that give them their unique attributes. While many users focus on cannabinoids- the chemical compounds that are known for getting you high and providing medical benefits- another important factor of cannabis strains is the kind of terpenes they contain. But what are cannabis terpenes and what do they do?

Terpenes are essential oils that you can find in all kinds of plants. There are tons of these and they’re mostly known for contributing to the aromas and tastes of different plants. However, cannabis terpenes are arguably even more interesting, especially as they’re said to work in unison with cannabinoids to contribute to the effects they give you. Here’s a guide to cannabis terpenes.

What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

Cannabis terpenes are organic compounds that you can find in all strains of cannabis. Terpenes are essential oils that can be found in pretty much all plants from flowers to fruits- even some insects produce terpenes. There are over 200 known terpenes and possibly even more, although a certain few are much more common than others. But while all plants contain terpenes, cannabis terpenes are important for a couple of reasons.

Each cannabis strain has unique attributes, and its terpenoid profile is a large part of this. Terpenes are responsible for the taste and aroma of each strain, hence why each strain is so different. For instance, strains such as Pineapple and Strawberry Cough are known for their fruity flavors whereas strains like Platinum Kush Breath and Nuken have more of an earthy taste. This comes down to the terpenes they contain.

Terpenes don’t only contribute to the smell and taste of different strains, though. They can also contribute to the effects you’ll get when you consume them. While it’s the cannabinoids in cannabis that make you high, terpenes work in unison with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD to provide various effects and medical benefits. This is why cannabis terpenes are so important.

What Do Cannabis Terpenes Do?

On top of making your weed taste and smell great, terpenes can also impact the kind of effects you’ll get. While it’s THC that gets you high and other cannabinoids contribute to the medical effects of cannabis, terpenes also work alongside the cannabinoids to enhance the effects you’ll get. This is known as the entourage effect.

The kind of effects you’ll get from terpenes depends on the terpenes found in the cannabis strain you’re using. However, most are known for providing mildly therapeutic properties. Some provide a calming effect or help you sleep whereas others are known for impacting your mood and mental state. Each strain contains a range of different terpenes, meaning you’ll get various knock-on effects.

For example, limonene is a citrusy terpene found in various cannabis strains said to provide stimulating effects whereas myrcene has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Many of these properties are also found in cannabinoids, hence why the entourage effects between these compounds are so pronounced.

With each terpene offering something different, it’s worth learning more about the terpenoid and cannabinoid profile of the strains you use. Knowing how they can potentially impact your body can help you pick out the right strain for your purposes.

Most Common Cannabis Terpenes

Although there are hundreds of known terpenes, there’s a certain few that are particularly prominent in cannabis strains. These terpenes are known for enhancing the aroma and effects of some of your favorite strains, and you might want to pick a strain based on the kind of terpenes it contains. Here are the most common cannabis terpenes.

Myrcene – Myrcene is the most prevalent terpene found in cannabis. It has a musky, earthy, herbal taste and is said to help promote calming, sedative effects, making it useful for pain and insomnia. It also has antioxidant properties. Popular strains containing Myrcene include Gold Kush and Death Star.

Limonene – If your strain has a citrus scent, it’s probably because of Limonene. Limonene is a terpene also found in citrus fruits that can help with anxiety and stress. It’s one of the most common cannabis terpenes and can be found in strains such as Super Lemon Haze and NYC Sour Diesel.

Caryophyllene – Caryophyllene is a spicy and peppery terpene that can also be found in cinnamon and cloves. It has anti-inflammatory properties and works in conjunction with cannabinoids to help relieve pain, inflammation, and ulcers. Girl Scout Cookies and Death Bubba are high in caryophyllene.

Terpinolene – Terpinolene provides piney, herbal notes to cannabis strains. It’s also found in nutmeg and cumin. It’s believed to enhance the uplifting effects of certain strains, as well as having antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. It’s found in strains such as Jack Herer and Golden Goat. 

Other prominent cannabis terpenes include Pinene, Humulene, Ocimene, and Linalool. Cannabis strains generally contain a range of these.

What Are High Terpene Full-Spectrum Extracts?

While many people get the effects of terpenes by smoking or vaping cannabis strains, terpenes are often extracted for use in other products. For instance, Vape Oils are often infused with terpenes but one of the best high terpene products is High Terpene Full-Spectrum Extracts (HTFSE).

Most cannabis concentrates lose a lot of their terpenoid content during the extraction processes. However, terpenes are extracted and re-infused into HTFSE products resulting in extracts that are extra high in both cannabinoids and terpenes.

If you’re looking for a product that’s packed with flavor and powerful effects, you can buy High Terpene Full Spectrum Extracts online. Many types are available, including Rosin, Caviar, and Diamonds.

Conclusion

Terpenes are the organic compounds or essential oils responsible for the unique aroma and taste of each cannabis strain. There are hundreds of terpenes found in plants but a certain few are particularly prominent in cannabis, such as Myrcene, Limonene, Pinene, and Caryophyllene.

These compounds also enhance the effects of certain strains, offering benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. You’ll get the effects of terpenes when you smoke or vape cannabis, although you can also buy other high terpene products at getkush.cc.