Some might agree that few things smell nicer than the scent of some kind bud. It seems like sometimes, even just the smell of some fresh cannabis flower can be enough to trigger an immediate sense of relaxation.
So, what is it about cannabis that gives it such a unique aroma many of us love, and some simply can’t stand? They’re called terpenes, and they’re not just found in cannabis.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct flavors and aromas of different cannabis strains. Besides being found in cannabis, terpenes are also found in various plants.
What Do Terpenes Do?
Terpenes are naturally produced in plants like rosemary, lavender, curcumin, sage, thyme, and of course cannabis. In nature, terpenes help protect plants from animal grazing and infectious germs. They also help to attract pollinators.
Terpenes can also play a significant role in improving the overall experience of consuming cannabis.
Do Terpenes Affect Your High?
Once people start to learn about terpenes, a question that often comes up is: “Do terpenes affect your high?”
Terpenes are bioactive and depending on how they’re consumed, could enhance your cannabis experience. For example, when combined with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, it’s believed terpenes can help to unlock what is known as the “entourage effect.”
What Is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is a special synergy that can occur in the presence of the multiple active compounds in the cannabis plant. In other words, by striking the right balance of cannabinoids and terpenes for your endocannabinoid system, it could result in a cannabis experience with enhanced therapeutic potential.
Learn more:
Entourage Effect in CBD, THC, and Weed
Do Terpenes Make You High?
Another question that often comes up is: “Do terpenes make you feel high?”
Although it’s believed some terpenes could have slight psychoactive effects, they will not get you high. Instead, the effects you could experience from ingesting terpenes might include feeling calm and relaxed.
Do Terpenes Have THC?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for marijuana’s intoxicating effects. Although terpenes and cannabinoids are both found in the trichomes of cannabis, they’re separate classes of compounds with distinct properties and effects. So, the answer is no. Terpenes do not have THC.
What About Full Spectrum Terpenes?
Another topic related to terpenes that comes up frequently has to do with their role in full spectrum cannabis products.
Full spectrum means that THC has been extracted from the whole cannabis plant – allowing the oil to maintain the full profile of active compounds in the plant. This includes terpenes, flavonoids, sterols, and cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN.
Learn more:
What Is Full Spectrum THC?
How Many Terpenes Are There?
There are more than 200 terpenes identified within the cannabis plant. Although terpenes occur throughout the marijuana plant, they’re most abundant in its trichomes. Trichomes are those little hairs you can see on your cannabis flower.
In addition to the terpenes in cannabis, there are more than 20,000 terpenes found in nature. Don’t worry, we’re not going to cover all of them. We’ve narrowed down our list to a few of the terpenes commonly found in cannabis.
Myrcene Terpene
Myrcene is one of the most abundant and well-studied terpenes found in cannabis and other plants. It’s responsible for the earthy, musky, and herbal aroma often associated with cannabis.
With a scent similar to cloves, Myrcene tends to have earthy notes with a hint of fruitiness. Strains of cannabis known for their relaxing and sedative effects often contain higher levels of myrcene. This is why Myrcene tends to be present in many Indicas.
In addition to its relaxing, and pain-relieving properties, myrcene is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some cannabis users report that strains high in myrcene can help them feel calm and ease anxiety.
Myrcene is also believed to enhance the bioavailability of other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, by facilitating their passage through the blood-brain barrier – which could contribute to the entourage effect.
Besides cannabis, Myrcene can be found in hops, lemongrass, mangoes, and thyme. It’s important to note that the effects of myrcene can vary depending on the specific strain and individual differences in how our bodies respond to terpenes and cannabinoids.
Linalool Terpene Effects
Linalool is a terpene that is commonly found in cannabis. It can also be found in lavender, mint, and many other aromatic plants. Linalool is responsible for the floral and sweet aroma often associated with certain cannabis strains.
Linalool has a pleasant floral and slightly spicy scent – with a hint of lavender and citrus. Its aroma is described as calming and soothing. Linalool is believed to have relaxing and calming properties. It’s used in aromatherapy and natural remedies to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
Linalool can have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and anti-anxiety properties. It may also contribute to the sedative effects of certain cannabis strains. Linalool has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi.
As with other terpenes, linalool may interact with other compounds in cannabis to produce an entourage effect. Widely used in the fragrance industry due to its pleasant scent, linalool is also used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages.
Linalool is generally considered safe for most. However, some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to certain terpenes, so it’s always advisable to use any cannabis product in moderation and be aware of any adverse reactions.
Caryophyllene Terpene
Known for its peppery and woody aroma, caryophyllene contributes to the “spicy” notes found in some cannabis strains.
Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes because it can directly activate the body’s endocannabinoid system by binding to the CB2 receptors. This interaction may contribute to its potential therapeutic effects, such as its anti-anxiety and stress-reducing effects.
Caryophyllene has been known to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It has also been studied for its antioxidant properties and its potential to support digestive health.
Caryophyllene is commonly found in various plants, including black pepper, cloves, and cannabis. It’s used as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industries, particularly in spice blends and herbal teas.
Caryophyllene is generally recognized as safe for consumption. However, as with any compound, some individuals could have sensitivities or allergies to certain terpenes.
Pinene Terpene Effects
As the name suggests, Pinene is responsible for the pine-like aroma often associated with certain cannabis strains. It’s also found in pine trees.
Pinene has been studied for its potential bronchodilator properties. That means it could help open up the airways and improve airflow to the lungs. This is one of the reasons why inhaling the aroma of pinene-rich strains may feel invigorating and help with respiratory issues. Pinene has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It’s also believed it could help improve mental alertness and focus.
Like other terpenes, Pinene can interact with other compounds in cannabis to produce an entourage effect.
Besides cannabis and pine trees, pinene can also be found in rosemary, basil, and parsley. Pinene is generally recognized as safe for consumption and is a common flavoring agent in food and beverages. It is also used in the fragrance industry.
It’s important to note that the concentration of pinene in a cannabis strain can vary widely, and the effects of pinene can vary depending on how our bodies respond to different terpenes and cannabinoids.
Limonene Terpene
Limonene has a strong and uplifting aroma, resembling the scent of citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. It’s also one of the terpenes responsible for the “citrus” notes found in some cannabis strains like Super Lemon Haze.
Limonene is believed to have mood-enhancing and stress-reducing properties. The invigorating and uplifting scent of limonene is often associated with increased feelings of positivity and relaxation.
Limonene may also have potential antimicrobial properties – and could be effective against certain bacteria and fungi. Limonene has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may have the potential to support digestive function.
Like other terpenes, limonene can interact with other compounds in cannabis to produce an entourage effect. In addition to cannabis, limonene occurs in the peels of citrus fruits. It’s also present in various herbs and spices, like rosemary and peppermint.
Limonene is considered safe for consumption and is commonly used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. However, some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to specific terpenes, so caution is advised, especially for those with known sensitivities.
Where to Buy Terpenes Near Me
If you’re interested in exploring the potential benefits of terpenes and the other active compounds in cannabis, you have a few options.
Cannabis Flower
First, you could enjoy some cannabis flower filled with the terpenes you seek.
Our sister company, Field Trip Flower offers premium cannabis strains that’s dripping in terpene-rich trichomes.
Sourced from whole buds that are hand-trimmed to perfection – with Field Trip Flower, all roads lead to elevated states of bliss. If you live in Missouri, make sure to ask your budtender about Field Trip Flower & Pre-Rolls.
Full Spectrum Vape Carts
Another way to enjoy terpenes is by vaping some full spectrum oil (FSO). Full spectrum means the THC oil is extracted from the whole cannabis plant – allowing the oil to be infused with the full profile of active compounds in the plant.
Learn More:
What Is Full Spectrum THC Oil?
Professor Cron X Vape Carts
If you live in Missouri, make sure to ask your budtender about Professor Cron X full spectrum oil vape carts. As far as the THC extraction goes, the Professor uses CO2 extraction – considered by many to be one of the safest and cleanest methods of extraction.
Plus, all of the terpenes are organic and derived from fresh cannabis that’s never been frozen. So, Professor Cron X’s vape carts will never contain synthetic terpenes or terpenes derived from other plants besides cannabis.
If you live in Missouri, ask your Bloom budtender about Professor Cron X Vape Carts – featuring premium strains like Super Lemon Haze, Strawberry Cookies, Wedding Cake, Baby Banner, and more.
Although Bloom’s Ohio and Maryland dispensaries don’t carry Field Trip Flower or Professor Cron X vape carts yet, they are fully stocked with a complete selection of premium cannabis products.
Shop Bloom – Your One-Stop Canna Shop:
Missouri Bloom Dispensaries
Field Trip Flower & Professor Cron X Vape Carts Available at Bloom’s Missouri Dispensaries:
Dispensary in Cameron, MO
Dispensary in Cape Girardeau, MO
Dispensary in O’Fallon, MO
Dispensary in Springfield, MO
Maryland Bloom Dispensary:
As of July 1st, 2023, Bloom is happy to be able to serve both Medical Marijuana Patients and Recreational Customers at our Germantown Dispensary.