Your nose often detects marijuana before your eyes do. This is because of the distinct, unmistakable scent of cannabis. Terpenes play a significant role in this pungent aroma and the flavors of cannabis strains. Additionally, terpenes are responsible for several effects produced by cannabis, and therefore, they impact the user’s experience.
Hello High Dispensary provides people in southern New Jersey with top-quality cannabis products. Here, we explain terpenes and their effects.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are natural compounds found in the trichomes of female cannabis plants. These compounds are essential for the cannabis plant’s growth and survival. They produce distinct aromas, enhancing color and pigmentation in leaves and buds, and contributing to the flavor of cannabis.
Over 150 types of terpenes are contained in cannabis. Various factors can influence the amount of terpenes a cannabis plant produces. These factors include:
- Location of harvest (indoors or outdoors)
- Amount of light exposure
- Temperature
- Specific growing mediums
- Nutrients levels
- Time of harvesting
How Terpenes Affect User Experience
Recently, researchers have discovered all plant compounds in cannabis work together synergistically. The phenomenon is what’s known as the entourage effect. When users consume cannabinoids and terpenes together, a special synergy occurs. This is why terpenes are known to play a part in influencing the effects of THC and CBD in the body.
The Most Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis
There are a staggering number of terpenes in cannabis, each with its own unique set of characteristics. The most predominant terpenes include:
Myrcene
Myrcene is a common cannabis terpene known for its mildly sweet flavor profile and scent notes of herbaceous, spicy, earthy, and musky. Beyond cannabis, it is also found in hops, imparting a peppery, balsamic fragrance to beer. It is also predominant in lemongrass.
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in modern commercial cannabis, representing over 20% of the terpene profile on average in modern commercial cannabis products. Additionally, myrcene is most likely to be the dominant cannabis terpene in marijuana flower, meaning it’s the terpene present at the highest level.
High-myrcene cannabis strains include:
- FPOG
- Remedy
- OG Kush
- Granddaddy Purple
- Blue Dream
- 9 Pound Hammer
- Grape Ape
- Tangie
- Harlequin
Caryophyllene
Also referred to as beta-caryophyllene or BCP, the terpene caryophyllene provides a spicy, peppery flavor to some cannabis strains. The terpene is also present in other common plants, such as cloves, rosemary, oregano, and black pepper. Many cannabis topicals and salves use strains with high levels of caryophyllene.
Caryophyllene-rich cannabis strains include:
- Bubba Kush
- Death Star
- The White
- GSC
- Original Glue
- Sour Diesel
- Chemdog
- Candyland
- Cookies and Cream
- Gelato
- Master Kush
Limonene
Much like its name suggests, limonene is known for fruity, citrus aromas, which is why it’s used for many everyday items like cosmetics and cleaning products. Cannabis strains that have high levels of limonene include:
- Strawberry Banana
- Quantum Kush
- Banana OG
- Cinex
- Tahoe OG
- Wedding Cake
- Berry White
- Black Cherry Soda
- Do-Si-Dos
- MAC
- Purple Hindu Kush
- White Fire OG
Other common terpenes found in cannabis include pinene, humulene, and linalool.
Tips When Exploring Terpenes
If you’re curious about terpenes and want to begin exploring their unique properties and benefits, keep in mind the following tips:
Check Freshness Dates
Terpene concentration dwindles over time. Users may not receive the desired effects from stale cannabis flowers. Look for products with recent package dates and test their freshness by sniffing them to see how fragrant they are.
Examine Labels
Some cannabis brands provide information about terpene profiles on their labels. Read through the provided information carefully to learn about the terpene levels of a product.
Take Notes
As you explore various terpenes and their effects, keep track of what you like. Make notes of how you feel afterward. Doing this will allow you to pinpoint the proper terpene and cannabis strain for your needs.
Learn More About Cannabis and Terpenes at Hello High Dispensary
Terpenes play an important role in the aroma, flavor, and effects of cannabis strains. Because terpenes significantly influence how cannabis strains look, smell, taste, and feel, they have a great impact on the overall user experience. Understanding terpenes can greatly enhance your cannabis journey.
People in South Jersey wishing to learn more about terpenes should consult the highly trained staff of bud-tenders at Hello High Dispensary. They can help you shop for cannabis products to suit your needs. To make the shopping experience even easier, we offer convenient weed delivery services with a minimum $50 purchase ($150 minimum in our Red Zone delivery area). Contact us today to learn more.
