If you’ve ever smelled cannabis before you’ve even seen it, it’s because of terpenes. These aromatic compounds are the reason behind the plant’s characteristic scents, from the skunky punch of Sour Diesel to the sweet, dessert-like smell of Cherry Pie. But terpenes don’t just make cannabis smell good — they also help determine how the plant reacts to the world around it and even how it affects those who consume it.

Found in almost all plants, flowers, and fruits, terpenes are nature’s way of attracting pollinators and deterring pests. When it comes to cannabis, every strain has its own distinct smell, taste, and effects. There are more than 150 kinds of terpenes in the cannabis plant, and they mix to give you different experiences, whether you want to feel energized, relaxed, or something in between. Let’s take a closer look at how terpenes in weed influence us.

Where Do Terpenes Come From?

Terpenes come from the sticky, crystal-like glands covering cannabis buds, which are called trichomes. Trichomes have resin glands that produce terpenes. You can also find trichomes in smaller amounts on the plant’s leaves and stems.

Apart from affecting the smell and the taste, these compounds also help the plant survive. Some terpenes, such as geraniol, repel insects and plant-eating animals. Others, such as linalool and terpinolene, attract pollinators. Terpenes also act like a built-in immune system, which enables cannabis to respond to stress.

Many things can affect the number of terpenes a plant produces, including light, temperature, nutrients, and whether it’s grown indoors or outdoors. Because terpenes are delicate, they can be lost during processing. That’s why methods such as live resin extraction — where the plant is frozen right after harvesting — are becoming more popular. This process helps preserve terpenes, making for a more flavorful and aromatic cannabis experience.

Cannabis Terpene Effects and Benefits

Terpenes do more than dictate the aroma and taste of cannabis. They also optimize its potential medicinal value. One of the significant ways they accomplish this is through the entourage effect — a process by which terpenes and cannabinoids work together to enhance overall effects. Some terpenes might even help cannabinoids such as THC and CBD work better in the body.

Since different terpene profiles create different experiences, some people seek out strains that contain specific dominant terpenes. This can help with issues such as pain, inflammation, or stress. Since everyone reacts differently, it generally takes a little trial and error to get the right strain. With all the terpene-rich options, however, there’s something for everyone. Some induce relaxation, while others improve focus or ease pain. Here are some of the terpene benefits:

• Some terpenes, such as pinene, caryophyllene, and camphor, may have the ability to fight viruses. Researchers are looking into how they might help slow infections and boost the immune system.
• Terpenes such as limonene, pinene, and myrcene could slow down the growth of cancer cells. They might manage to target the harmful cells without harming the healthy ones, which is a plus compared to some treatments.
• Beta-pinene and linalool are common in many natural antidepressants. They might help lift your mood and reduce anxiety.
• Terpenes such as geraniol, menthol, and eucalyptol can tackle unwanted bacteria and other microbes, suggesting they could be useful in natural medicines.

Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis

Cannabis has over 150 different terpenes, but only a few are present in detectable amounts. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most common ones.

Myrcene

Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis. It’s also found in hops, lemongrass, and mangoes. This terpene has an earthy, deep scent with hints of spice and musk. It’s responsible for the subtly sweet and herbal taste in many cannabis strains.

Myrcene may also have anti-inflammatory properties. It could potentially reduce inflammation in cases of osteoarthritis. In laboratory experiments, it seemed to reduce the breakdown of cartilage and lower the levels of certain inflammatory cells, suggesting that it may one day be used in drugs that treat inflammatory disorders.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is another common terpene that’s identified by its pungent, spicy aroma. It’s found in black pepper, cloves, rosemary, and oregano. If a cannabis strain has a peppery kick, it likely contains a good amount of caryophyllene.

The unique thing about caryophyllene is that it’s the only terpene that directly affects the endocannabinoid system. It binds to CB2 receptors, which are linked to the immune system. Because of this, some researchers consider it an “atypical cannabinoid.”

Studies have shown that caryophyllene can help with colitis, diabetes, liver fibrosis, and Alzheimer ‘s-like diseases. Its ability to act on CB2 receptors may also make it useful for the management of inflammation-related symptoms.

Limonene

Limonene has a fresh, citrusy scent, the same as lemon, orange, and lime peels. It’s also found in ginger and several fruity cannabis strains, such as Papaya Punch and Black Cherry Soda.

This terpene may do more than just smell good. Research suggests that limonene can impact the immune system. It may help to increase the number of antibody-producing cells in the spleen and bone marrow. These cells make the body resistant to dangerous bacteria and viruses.

Scientists are even looking into limonene’s potential in COVID-19 treatments. Although more research is needed, its immune-boosting properties make it a promising subject for further studies.

Explore Cannabis Terpenes at Uplift Ohio

Terpenes play a big role in how cannabis works in our bodies. Some terpenes help you relax, while others may offer various health perks.  As more studies come out, we’re learning even more about what these compounds can do. Finding the right mix of terpenes can improve your experience and meet your needs. Our team at Uplift is here to help you figure it out. Contact us or drop in at our Milford or Mount Orab stores to check out our great selection of cannabis products and find what exactly you’re looking for.

(Green Cannabis Plant by Harrison Haines is licensed with Pexels License)