Just like cigars and wine, each cannabis strain has a unique aroma. From herbal and floral aromas to heavy diesel and woody smells, cannabis aromas fill the air as you indulge in your favorite strain. And while some cannabis strains produce smells that can give you a refreshing and relaxing effect, others can make you wrinkle your nose.
But what gives cannabis its aromatic essence? These scents and flavors are derived from a chemical compound called terpene.
This guide explains what terpenes are, the different types of terpenes, and their effects.
Terpenes are organic compounds usually found in plants, including herbs, teas, and of course, cannabis. A plant’s terpenes give the plants their appearance, fragrance, and taste, protect them from predators and attract insects for pollination.
Terpenes are also present in animals—they are essentially found in fish scales, egg yolks, and feathers.
The terpenes found in cannabis are similar to the more well-known compounds of CBD and THC. Like these chemicals, cannabis terpenes have different therapeutic properties, such as anti-anxiety, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Choosing a cannabis strain based on its terpene content is one of the most reliable ways of anticipating its effect on you.
There are both primary and secondary terpenes in cannabis strains. Primary cannabis terpenes determine how the plant looks, tastes and the aroma it produces. Secondary cannabis terpenes are the underlying substances that add layers and depth to these plants.
Here’s a list of terpenes and their effects:
The terpene content of different strains or cultivars may vary from grows to grow. The primary factors that affect terpene content include the quality of the genetics, lighting, soil type and quality, harvest time, and post-harvest care.
Terpenes aren’t necessarily the compounds in cannabis responsible for the psychoactive effects you feel when you consume cannabis. And while some terpenes may have slight psychoactive effects, it is more of terpenes influencing other chemical compounds in cannabis plants when interacting with the body.
A common analogy used by most cannabis consultants is that if consuming cannabis is like driving a car, CBD and THC serve as the gas pedal, whereas terpenes steer the experience. In short, terpenes work closely with other chemical compounds of the cannabis plant to give users the entourage effect.
Know that we understand how terpenes work and the effects the different types of terpenes have on the body, here’s how to use them to improve your health and well-being:
We all have different cannabis preferences. Whether you’re looking for something to calm your nerves or to bring out your inner creativity and personality, you can find the right cannabis terpene strains and professional cannabis advice with planet 13. Contact us today to place an order online, or you can visit our Las Vegas stores for the best dank.
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