When we think about cannabis, cannabinoids like THC & CBD often steal the spotlight. But another group of compounds, known as terpenes, plays a significant role in defining a strain’s unique effects, aroma, & flavour. 

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found not only in cannabis but in many plants, fruits, & spices. Besides just adding to the distinctive scents of strains, terpenes interact with cannabinoids to influence how each strain feels, creating a unique experience for the user known as the entourage effect. 

In this post, we’ll dive into the world of terpenes, explore what they are & how they work, highlighting the top 5 terpenes to look for when choosing your next strain.
Whether you're seeking relaxation, creativity, or focus, understanding terpenes can help guide your choices & elevate your cannabis experience.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in the trichomes of cannabis flowers. These compounds enable certain strains to smell & taste the way they do.
Take our indoor Blunicorn, for instance, a hybrid strain that offers a flavour profile of fruits like blueberry & mango thanks to the dominant terpene strain, Limonene.

And it’s not just cannabis that has a terpene profile. Nearly all plants contain some level of terpenes, with some notable ones including flowers like lavender, fruits, herbs & even trees like pine and eucalyptus.

Aside from providing you with a pleasant smoking experience, terpenes also have other benefits, often contributing to therapeutic and advantageous side effects for consumers. 

How Do Terpenes Affect Your Cannabis Experience?

Cannabis contains more than 150 different terpenes, & although most of them are only present in trace amounts, it’s the most dominant one that will interact to give cannabis strains their signature scents and flavours. 

Terpenes work alongside other cannabinoids like THC & CBD to produce the entourage effect. This effect is an interaction between cannabinoids & terpenes that work together to enhance & balance each other.
For example, a terpene like Myrcene, known for its sedative properties, can amplify the relaxing effects of an Indica strain, while Limonene’s uplifting qualities might enhance the energizing effects of a Sativa.

This synergy allows users to experience tailored effects depending on the specific terpene & cannabinoid profiles in their chosen strain, providing a more comprehensive & nuanced cannabis experience.

Why Terpenes Matter: Beyond Flavour & Aroma

The effects of terpenes and terpenoids go well beyond just helping with the taste & smell of your chosen strain. Studies have found them to have a range of health-boosting advantages, including antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cancer-fighting, & anti-hyperglycemic activities, among others. 

Top 5 Terpenes to Look For

1. Myrcene

• Taste & Smell: Myrcene has an earthy, musky aroma with hints of cloves and herbal undertones. Its flavour is often described as slightly spicy and herbal.
• Properties: Myrcene is the smallest terpene, but is also the most commonly found terpene in most cannabis strains.
  Known for its relaxing and soothing effects, myrcene is often associated with full-body relaxation & has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, & pain-relieving properties, which may aid with insomnia.

2. Limonene

• Taste & Smell: Limonene has a bright, citrusy scent similar to lemons & oranges, with a taste that matches its refreshing aroma.
• Properties: Limonene is uplifting & energizing, known for its mood-enhancing & anti-anxiety effects. It’s also thought to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

3. Pinene

• Taste & Smell: Pinene smells like pine trees, with a fresh, woodsy scent that adds a crisp flavour to strains containing this terpene.
• Properties: Pinene is known for its anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, & alertness-promoting effects, along with having antiviral & antiseptic properties . It’s thought to enhance focus and memory & is often found in strains used for daytime energy.

4. Linalool

• Taste & Smell: Linalool has a floral, lavender-like aroma with hints of spiciness. Its flavour is soft and slightly floral.
• Properties: Known for its calming and anti-anxiety properties, Linalool is often used in aromatherapy. It may also have anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects, making it popular for managing pain & stress.

5. Caryophyllene

• Taste & Smell: Caryophyllene has a spicy, peppery aroma with earthy and woody notes, often reminiscent of cloves or cinnamon.
• Properties: Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes for its ability to bind to cannabinoid receptors, specifically the CB2 receptor, which may make it particularly useful for reducing inflammation and pain.
  It’s also thought to have potential anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects, along with being antibacterial, antifungal, and gastroprotective.

Terpenes vs. Cannabinoids: What’s the Difference?

There are a couple things that set terpenes apart from cannabinoids. 

• Terpenes are smaller than cannabinoids & are found in a larger variety of plants, flowers, and herbs. 
• Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes have more distinct flavours & aromas.
• Because terpenes are volatile compounds, they’re more at risk of being lost or destroyed in processing. 
• Unlike certain cannabinoids like THC, terpenes won’t get you high. 

Our Final Thoughts:

Terpenes are as important for a strain as their cannabinoid content & can make or break a consumer’s experience depending on what their need is. 

We always recommend checking out a strain’s description to determine what its flavours, aromas, & effects are to know whether it fits with what you want out of it.
If you have a vague idea of the experience you want but aren’t sure which strain to go for, pop us a message to see what we can recommend. 

Stay lifted, stay curious, and enjoy the journey.
— The Hey Bud Team 🫶

Sources:

• https://www.mercedsunstar.com/health-wellness/cannabis/article289778554.html
• https://www.healthline.com/health/cannabis-terpenes
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8489319
• https://dopewarehouse.co.za/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do/