Cannabis is chock-full of numerous components that give cannabis products their signature flavors, scents, and varying physical and psychoactive effects. One of the most abundant compounds within cannabis products are terpenes. There are several different types of terpenes that produce different aromas and effects; these compounds are revered in the cannabis community, and for good reason.
Learn more about what terpenes are, which ones are found in cannabis, and what effects some of the most abundant terpenes can produce below.
What Are Terpenes?
Medical News Today describes terpenes as, “aromatic compounds found in many plants,” including cannabis, pine, citrus peels, and lavender. So far, at least 200 individual terpenes have been identified in cannabis alone. Research on these fascinating compounds is still in its infancy, but we now know more about them than ever thanks to the efforts of cannabis researchers.
Terpenes are responsible for the scents in these plants, which also impact their flavors since much of what we taste in any given food or product is based on scent. Plants actually produce these compounds not to smell pretty or appetizing, but to ward off diseases and discourage animals from eating them. Terpenes are frequently extracted from plants to produce essential oils and scented products like perfumes, so many people already use and consume terpenes without even knowing it.
Aside from producing delightful aromas, they can also provide several benefits for humans when consumed, whether through cannabis edibles, pre-rolls, vapes, or anything else you can get at your Santa Ana dispensary.
What Benefits Can Terpenes Provide?
The main benefit that terpenes as a whole can provide is known as the entourage effect, which suggests that the presence of terpenes can positively impact the high or other benefits a person gets from cannabis products. Some studies suggest that the presence of terpenes in cannabis products enhances their pain-relieving effect, though each individual terpene may also provide some of its own unique physical and mental benefits when isolated.
For example, some terpenes, such as myrcene, are associated with overall body relaxation, while others, such as borneol, appear to have anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have extracted and studied individual terpenes for years, but more research is needed before they can be used for clinical purposes.
Common Terpenes Present in Your Favorite Cannabis Products
Each cannabis product is bound to have dozens of terpenes within them, though some strains have more of some terpenes than others due to selective breeding by cannabis growers. Check out some of the most common and well-known terpenes present in your favorite cannabis products below!
Limonene
Limonene produces a delightful citrus scent, and it is often associated with its mood-boosting capabilities. Not surprisingly, this terpene is also found in citrus fruit rinds. Many cannabis researchers believe that limonene can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it may even be able to serve as a digestive aid for some users. Some strains that contain a high concentration of limonene include Berry White and Wedding Cake.
Myrcene
Myrcene’s signature scent is often described as earthy or musky and it is associated with feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Interestingly, myrcene is also abundant in fresh mango, lemongrass, and hops. This terpene is also known to help enhance absorption through the skin, so it’s often present in topical cannabis products. Some of the strains that contain the most myrcene include Grape Ape and OG Kush.
Linalool
Linalool provides a calming floral and citrus scent, and is also present in mint and lavender. Its potential effects include reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, increased immune system activity, and reduced epilepsy symptoms. Researchers have studied the effects of linalool for those suffering from epilepsy for decades, and some people have even experienced a significant reduction in the number of seizures they endure as a result of consumption. Of course, linalool or cannabis products may not be able to entirely replace epilepsy drugs for patients, but research has revealed some evidence that it can provide some relief.
Linalool is particularly abundant in the cannabis strains Zkittles and LA Confidential.
Humulene
Humulene provides a woodsy or herbal scent to plants, and it is believed to provide anti-inflammatory and appetite suppressant effects. It’s also found in plants like sage and ginseng, and it can provide benefits when consumed orally, topically, or by aerosol. Humelene is found most often in Gelato and Sour Diesel cannabis strains.
Pinene
As its name alludes to, pinene gives off a pine or woodsy smell, and it is often derived from pine trees when it is used in pine-scented products. This terpene can also be found in parsley and orange peels. Pinene has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, and it can also help open up a person’s respiratory system. Some even claim that pinene can boost their energy levels and enhance their memory.
Cannabis strains that contain the most pinene include OG Kush and Blue Dream.
The best OC dispensary will have a knowledgeable staff that will educate you on which terpenes are present in items of your interest, and they can help you choose which cannabis products are best for you based on your wants and needs. Everybody also processes cannabis differently, so the best way to find what works best for you is through trial and error and exploring different ingestion methods.
Looking to Get the Benefits of Terpenes? Visit Planet 13 Today!
If you’re looking to experience the incredible benefits that terpenes can offer in your favorite cannabis products, visit the best OC dispensary, Planet 13 today! Our knowledgeable and experienced budtenders would be delighted to answer any questions you may have about individual cannabis products, and they can steer you in the right direction when you’re on the hunt for something new. Planet 13 has the largest selection of the Orange County dispensaries.
We also offer several options when it comes to shopping for cannabis, including in-store shopping, curbside pick-up, and dispensary delivery! If you’d like to learn more about our OC dispensary and how we can help you get the most out of your cannabis journey, please contact us today.
