What, exactly, are terpenes, and what do they do for your cannabis experience? To begin with, these aromatic compounds play a critical role in how your weed smells and tastes, and even the effects you feel. Expanding your cannabis knowledge to include terpenes will help you customize your cannabis consumption.
For this reason, Be. The Cannabis Store Illinois created this guide to help you explore common cannabis terpenes and understand how to find what works best for you.
Key Takeaways
- Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in all plants.
- Several terpenes are common in cannabis.
- Terpenes are thought to play an important role in certain strain effects.
- Terpene preferences are personal; not all terpenes work well for everyone.
- Be. Illinois has many products to help you explore a variety of terpenes.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in virtually all plants. There are thousands of terpenes in nature that help plants attract pollinators, ward off predators, and protect against bacteria.
As a result, terpene-rich plants have distinct smells, like the brightness of a lemon rind or the rich scent of freshly ground coffee.
What Do Cannabis Terpenes Do?
Terpenes in cannabis are suspected to play an important role in the entourage effect, a theory that says the plant compounds all work together to create a stronger synergistic effect.
There are about 200 terpenes found in cannabis, but you’ll most commonly see these 10:
Top 10 Cannabis Terpenes
- Myrcene
- Beta-caryophyllene
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Humulune
- Pinene
- Terpinolene
- Ocimene
- Bisabolol
- Nerolidol
Other terpenes you may see in cannabis include farnesene, geraniol, and eucalyptol. These, along with ocimene, bisabolol, and nerolidol, usually occur in smaller quantities in cannabis.
Terpene Effects in Weed Explained
There are five terpenes that are most common in cannabis products. Understanding how they smell and what they’re known for can help you tailor your cannabis purchases to products that make you feel good.
Myrcene
Smells like: Rich and earthy, with notes of clove, soil, sweet fruit, and warm spices.
Known for: Being the single most abundant terpene in cannabis; having relaxing and sedating properties.
Found in: Most strains, including Point Breeze, Maui Wowie, and Afternoon Delight
Beta-caryophyllene
Smells like: Warm spices, with notes of cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Known for: Being the only terpene to directly interact with your endocannabinoid system through the CB2 receptor. Thought to be calming; helps reduce physical and mental pain.
Found in: Gelato Mintz, Hash Burger, Scented Marker
Limonene
Smells like: Ripe citrus; bright and tart, often distinctly like lemon, lime, or grapefruit.
Known for: Commonly used to scent household cleaners. Thought to help boost mood and focus, and create an uplifted state of mind.
Found in: Mandarin Z, Project 903, Jack Herer
Linalool
Smells like: Floral with a hint of spice; strongly like lavender.
Known for: Being aromatherapy’s favorite terpene! Extensively used for its stress-relieving and calming qualities.
Found in: Lavender Gelato, Animal Cake
Humulune
Smells like: Rich and earthy, with notes of damp soil.
Known for: Being the main terpene in hops. Believed to help with physical pain, stress relief, and mood elevation.
Found in: Headband, Georgia Pie
FAQ
1. Are some cannabis terpenes better than others?
No, some terpenes are not inherently better than others. However, many people prefer certain terpenes. Pay attention to the smell of cannabis strains — which ones appeal to you, and which ones you don’t like. That’s the starting point for recognizing your terpene preferences.
2. Why are terpenes important?
Terpenes are biologically active compounds, meaning they produce measurable effects in the body and may influence the effects of a specific strain. Terpenes act in several areas of your body, and their presence in weed is thought to help create a balanced experience overall.
3. What terpene gets you the most high?
Terpenes themselves don’t get you high, but certain terpenes may work with THC to produce specific effects. Myrcene-rich strains are often more sedating and “couch-locking,” while limonene-heavy strains are typically more mentally uplifting.
4. Is it better to have higher or lower terpenes?
There is a middle ground with terpenes in cannabis; too low, and your weed won’t smell or taste flavorful. Too high, and it may create an overwhelming experience. Since terpenes are powerful compounds, a little goes a long way. A high amount of any terpene in cannabis is 0.5-1%.
Explore the World of Cannabis Terpenes at Be. The Illinois Store
In conclusion, terpenes are an important part of the cannabis experience, and understanding your individual terpene preference can help you create a more customized cannabis routine that supports your goals.
At Be. Dispensaries in Illinois, we’re here to empower you to be the best version of yourself through cannabis education.
Order online or stop into one of our two locations in Blue Island and Oak Forest to see how Be. makes cannabis fun and easy.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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