When you get in touch with your trusted dope delivery service in California, your primary concern is likely getting either a THC- or a CBD-dominant strain to suit your mood or goals. However, there should be another type of natural chemical compound that you should be thinking about when you buy cannabis products: terpenes. These substances are what gives plants (and even some animals) their distinctive aromas, colors, and flavors. They’re most commonly found in fruits, flowers, as well as herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme.
Aside from defining individual characteristics in many living organisms, terpenes are also known to create various therapeutic effects when ingested and combined with other compounds like cannabinoids. This is why even cannabis strains with the same amount of THC or CBD can result in different experiences.
With all that being said, below are some of the most common terpenes found in marijuana and what effects you can expect from them:
Myrcene, which is commonly found in lemongrass and mangoes, is the most dominant terpene in a large number of cannabis cultivars. It has a combination of earthy, musky, and spicy aromas, as well as a hint of fruity sweetness that resembles red grapes.
According to some studies, myrcene has anti-inflammatory effects that are effective for conditions that cause chronic pain. This terpene has also been found to slow down the breakdown of cartilage cells; this is why some strains of medical marijuana are used for treating osteoarthritis.
Popular cannabis strains that contain a lot of myrcene Skunk XL, White Widow, Mango Kush, and OG Kush. If you want more potent THC effects, long-time cannabis users will tell you to eat a mango before smoking.
Another common terpene in a wide variety of cannabis strains is caryophyllene, also known as beta-caryophyllene or β-caryophyllene. Well-known for its spicy, peppery aroma and flavor profile, caryophyllene is also common in many herbs and spices, including basil, black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, and rosemary.
One of the most unique things about caryophyllene is that it’s the only known terpene to bind with the CB2 receptors in the human body’s endocannabinoid system. As such, it’s a great anti-inflammatory agent and effective for treating symptoms of various conditions. In particular, caryophyllene has been found to have a positive effect in patients suffering from diabetes, anxiety, depression, and even Alzheimer’s.
If you want to experience the effects of caryophyllene, you can try strains like Cookies and Cream, Master Kush, and Super Silver Haze.
If you’re a fan of fresh, citrusy, and energizing scents and flavors, then you’re going to love cannabis strains with a healthy dose of the terpene limonene. As its name implies, limonene is present in lemon and its relatives orange, lime, and grapefruit. In cannabis, any strain, with a fruity, zesty scent has some amount of limonene in it. Some of the best strains include Black Cherry Soda, Strawberry Banana, Super Lemon Haze, and Papaya Punch.
Effects-wise, limonene has been proven to be a great mood booster and stress reliever. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping increase the production of antibodies that fight off harmful germs.
The terpene pinene smells like, well, pine. The full aroma can be best described as woodsy, with a hint of sweet-spiciness. It’s common in a lot of herbs and plants, including basil, orange (particularly in the peel), parsley, and rosemary. In cannabis, pinene can be found in strains like Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Dutch Treat, OG Kush, and Bubba Kush.
Pinene has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for diseases like Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, and even asthma.
If you love sweet, spicy floral notes, you need a cannabis strain that contains the terpene linalool. This natural chemical is also found in coriander, lavender, and mint. Like these herbs, cannabis strains that contain linalool are effective in inducing relaxation; they can also have strong sedative effects. Thus, marijuana products with high linalool content are perfect for patients suffering from cancer, seizures, and insomnia.
Some strains you might want to try to experience the effects of linalool include Lavender (obviously), OG Shark, and Special Kush.
Last but certainly not least, there’s humulene. Also found in hops, or the inflorescence of the Humulus lupulus plant that’s used for brewing beer, humulene is often described to have bitter-spicy notes with a touch of woodsy flavor and earthiness. Aside from hops and cannabis, humulene is also present in clove and black pepper.
According to some studies, humulene has shown antiproliferative properties. This means that it can prevent cancer cells from multiplying and thus make treatment a lot easier. Like the other terpenes mentioned in this list, humulene is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. To experience the effects of humulene, look for strains like Girl Scout Cookies, Pink Kush, and White Widow.
The effects of cannabis are as diverse as the plant’s different strains. If you’re looking for a specific experience, make sure to consider not just the cannabinoid profile but also the terpene content. This way, you can receive the full effects you need.
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