Cannabis terpenes
What are terpenes
The essential oils that heighten your high from cannabis are terpenes. Terpenes also possess numerous medical benefits. They are found in many plants and some insects. There are over a hundred terpenes in the cannabis plant. These can be generally sectioned into four types of terpenes; spicy, sour, bitter and sweet.
How cannabis terpenes work
Terpenes actively affect brains receptors, and how they work, THC binds to receptors. Terpenes can influence the amount of THC that enters the brain. The mango fruit if eaten 45 minutes before indulging in cannabis is thought to increase the effect. It could be that mangoes contain the terpene Myrcene.
List of terpenes and effects
Myrcene: Earthy cloves herbal aromas, sedating and relaxing, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic. This terpene is also common in mangos, lemongrass and thyme. This is the most common terpene in cannabis.
Strains with Myrcene benefits: Chemdawg, Fire Alien Kush, Agent Orange
Linalool: Floral candy and citrusy aromas, great for sedating and anxiety relief. This terpene is valued for its anti-depressant value. You will also find it in lavender plants.
Strains with Linalool benefits: Bubble Gum, Sour Diesel, and Locomotion
Limonene: Strong citrus aromas, perfect for mood elevating and stress relief. The second most common terpene in cannabis. This is used for anti-cancer values and has antiseptic uses. This terpene is also used to benefit sexual health. You will also find it in lemons and oranges.
Strains with Limonene benefits: GSC, Tangerine Dream, and Green Crack
A -Pinene B -Pinene: Beautiful pine aromas, great for alertness and elevated energy. Used for antiseptic values and anti-inflammatory concerns. This is also an excellent expectorant and great for widening the bronchi. Pine trees and sage also have this terpene.
Strains with A- Pinene benefits: Vanilla Kush 9lb Hammer and Cookie Cross
Trans-Caryophyllene: peppery spicy and wood aromas, great for pain relief. Used as an anti-inflammatory aid and antiseptic. This terpene is also found in pepper and cloves.
Strains with Trans-Caryophyllene benefits: Gorilla Glue #4 Pineapple Express and Sage N Sour
The physical and mental effects of terpenes
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Assist with depression
• Assistance with muscle spasms
• Pain relief
• Assisting with insomnia issues
• Help with stress concerns
Terpenes work together to help THC and CBD enter the bloodstream. The effect of the strain of weed you choose is based on the terpenes that are in the herb. Terpenes own medical effects work to heighten or lower the dominant effects of other cannabinoids. The effect is commonly known as the Entourage Effect.
The ability to modulate adverse effects of other cannabinoids provide the ability to create strains that are focused for best experience available for patients.
Knowledge of terpenes uses can come in very handy, you can use your knowledge of terpenes in the kitchen. Controlling the temperature when cooking cannabis is important. Terpenes are very sensitive to heat and overheating will burn them. Always try to cook under 100 degrees Celsius.
Whether you bake or vape your terpenes, you are allowing the beautiful flavors to be inhaled without burning them. Do add your terpenes to those wonderful dishes that you prepare in your kitchen, try adding myrcene to your tomato basil soup, you will find it aromatic and delicious. As always, indulge responsibly and enjoy!
