Cannabis terpene and mood pairings
The mysterious world of terpenes we have been learning plenty about as of late. We now know that the marijuana plant has several different chemical compounds and that 140 of those are the aromatic terpenes. The use of the words terpene and terpenoids are increasing as we learn more about the cannabis plant.
Did you know the two terms have slightly different meanings? Well, they do! Terpene means a large group of volatile unsaturated hydrocarbons in the essential oils found in plants, and terpenoids come from drying and curing flowers.
It has been well established that terpenes can have a significant effect on mood. Some are soothing and produce a sense of relaxation while a few are more uplifting, helping you to feel more energized, and others aide with inflammation and help to create a feeling of self that is difficult for some that suffer from anxiety or depression.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are responsible for both the aroma and flavour of cannabis. Terpenes act on receptors and our neurotransmitters and act as serotonin uptake and inhibitors and work a lot like Prozac and other antidepressants. They increase dopamine activity, and they also increase GABA, which is the downer transmitter, that counters glutamate, the upper transmitter.
What are flavonoids?
Flavonoids are well known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidants benefits. They are also a significant contributor to the beautiful colours that we see in things like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Flavonoids have very promising findings in studies regarding their pharmacological benefits. There is still additional research needing to run. Although we have learned so much about their benefits. We can hardly wait to see what future research teaches us.
Terpenes
There are many different terpenes in the marijuana plant, and they can most definitely benefit mood, anxiety, and depression below. You will find a few.
Myrcene
This terpene is typically in Indica dominant strains. It is very well known for its calming and relaxing benefits. With a musky, earthy scent and a sweet flowery taste depending on the weed strain. It has some excellent sedative effects that make Myrcene. It can provide a sweet calming sleep that also reduces pain also helps aid in anxiety. You can find this terpene in strains such as Grape Ape and Mango Kush.
Linalool
This terpene has a fantastic scent that can aid in calming anxiety & stress. You can find it in an array of aromatherapy products, and that is because of its truly a relaxant. It has a great floral scent with a little hint of spice. This terpene has some high anti-inflammatory properties and is known to help with pain associated with arthritis. This terpene you can find in Purple Urkle, and Sour Kush.
Limonene
This terpene is known to be very uplifting and helps with energy levels. As the name says, it has a sharp citrusy flavour and small. It is known to help aid with weight loss depression, and anxiety. It's been known to help reduce the growth of cancerous cells. You can find this terpene in strains such as Durban Poison, OG Kush, Lemon Haze.
Pinene
This terpene has a great scent, just like pine needles. It is known to help with alertness and can improve airflow to the lungs as well as aid in short term memory. This terpene has a bitter but bright taste. You can find this terpene in strains such as AK-47, Purple Kush and Dutch Dream.
Caryophyllene
This terpene is excellent for reducing stress and calming anxiety, and even might help with alcohol cravings, which can slow the growth of bacteria, fungus. This terpene has a spicy taste and a woody smell. You can find this terpene in strains such as Sour Diesel, Super Silver Haze.
In Conclusion
There are many more terpenes, and they all have some beneficial benefits to them. Knowing the different terpenes and strains can have a significant advantage in regard to mood and other things like pain management and sleep. As studies have shown that if you are not getting the proper amount of sleep due to pain, that can induce anxiety and depression.
So being mindful of the strains and the beneficial terpenes they provide can naturally help you. Cannabis has none of the side effects that some prescription medications do, but we do recommend that you talk to cannabis experienced doctor, nurse, or knowledgeable staff at a dispensary, as they are trained and can help you along the journey of discovering what works for your situation.
The great thing about terpenes is you can use them to match your mood and or food cravings. There is so much that you can experience with these naturally accruing remedies that you are bound to find a fit with some looking around and thorough research. Good luck on your journey and remember to have some fun while you’re at it.
