Terpenes are the fragrant oils that give different cannabis strains their unique scents and they are the therapeutic compounds responsible for the sweet, sour, spicy, woody, floral etc.. aromas you find with various Cannabis strains. These naturally potent elements are found in more than just marijuana; you can find them in bay leaves, peppers, cloves, pine needles, birch trees, juniper flowers, and even hops.
How do Terpenes Affect the Body?
Terpenes bind to receptors in your brain stimulating various effects similarly to cannabinoids. Cannabis contains over 200 types of terpenes and varying levels of terpene content. With cannabis being legal, more and more lab tested cannabis products will clearly state terpene contents and potency, making it much easier to find the strain and desired effects you are looking for.
The Applications and Effects of Terpenes on the human body
There are so many terpenes and a lot of great studies on the most well-known terpenes, but much much more is needed before we can truly understand the healing potential of these naturally occurring compounds. Let’s take a look at β-caryophyllene as an example.
Inside your immune tissues are cannabinoid receptors. Activation of the CB2 receptors reduces inflammation, decreases pain, and reduces the subsequent damage from chronic inflammation.
Caryophyllene activates the CB2 receptors and has been successfully used to treat internal diseases where inflammation is a tangential issue. Diseases like colitis cause inflammation of the intestines which begets abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and increased risks of cancer.
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease can also benefit from Caryophyllene because it helps to counteract inflammation in the brain and the growth of plaque along neural pathways inhibiting the proper firing of neurons needed for memory retention.
Top 5 Terpenes for Boosting Energy and Why
Everyone goes through phases of low energy. Those times where you feel almost no motivation and just want to veg out on the couch. This is fine at times but prolonged mental and physical fatigue and chronic low energy can be the beginning signs of serious health issues. Of course, terpenes have many applications beyond reducing inflammation and the treatment of serious diseases. Terpenes can be used to treat many conditions including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and can even be used, of course, to boost energy. In a world plagued by low energy, this is one of great interest, especially to me.
For more info on terpenes visit out Terpenes 101 page!
Terpineol
It has a lime blossom scent, with hints of lilac. It will relax your mind and provide energy. Medically it can be used to alleviate stress or anxiety.
Strains:
- Sativa—Jack Herer
- Hybrid—OG Kush; Alien OG
Pinene
It has a sharp, sweet, pine-like aroma. It will enhance your memory retention and improve alertness. Medically, this is great for inflammation and asthma.
Strains:
- Sativa—Jack Herer
- Indica—Romulan
- Hybrid—Dutch Treat; Blue Dream; OG Kush
Limonene
This, as the name suggests, brings with it a lemon-like citrus scent. It will elevate our mood and afford the stress relief necessary for increased energy levels. Medically it can be used for depression, anxiety, or gastric reflux.
Strains:
- Sativa—Super Lemon Haze; Sour Diesel
- Indica—Bubba Kush
- Hybrid—OG Kush; Trainwreck
Caryophyllene
This has a spicy scent, similar to black pepper, hops, and rosemary. It will enhance focus and mood. Medically it is often used to remedy toothaches, and used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Strains:
- Sativa—Lemon G; Candyland
- Indica—Death Star; Sour Bubble
- Hybrid—White Widow; Blueberry Cheesecake; Moon Cookies; GG4
Which terpenes are best for me?
More often than not, the scents associated with various strains are indicative of their terpene profiles. Identifying the effects of the various types of terpenes on your body can easily be done with a little bit of personal research, trials, and testing. Some terpenes might prove more effective for specific forms of pain management and other ailments but may not work for others. Experimenting with different terpenes and terpene variations is key.
Do terpenes affect your high?
Technically no. They will not change the degree of your high, but instead, they will influence the effects of your high. Again, some terpenes will influence your high so that you feel an increase in energy, feel calmer, feel an increased sense of well-being, or maybe you don’t feel anything directly but inflammation begins to decrease internally, reducing pain and bringing relief. There is still so much to learn and new research is being done every day! If you’d like to play around with your own terpene infusions or make your own DIY terpene products visit Peak Supply Co for a great product at a price that won’t hurt the wallet.
