As cannabis explodes into a multi-faceted market product, you might have come across the word terpene. It might sound like some scientific faffle, but it carries a lot of importance when it comes to the marijuana experience.
Knowing a little something about terpenes can also help you choose a strain that is most suitable for you! Some stoners might know that terpenes are what are responsible for the smell of your marijuana. The more terpenoids that are present in the crop, the more pungent and fragrant your marijuana is going to be. Terpenes are also plentiful in variety, and that’s why sometimes buds smell like mangoes and sometimes they smell like cheese!
Terpenes are medicine
What scientists are coming to realize is that terpenes play just as big a role in the medicinal value of cannabis as the cannabinoids we are used to hearing about (THC and CBD). They work in much the same way as aromatherapy does, and ingesting them into your body also gives the desired medical effect.
For example, lavender is rich in the terpene linalool, which is often used in aromatherapy for its relaxing properties. Certain strains of weed contain this terpene, and it can be used for the exact same therapeutic property. Limonene is the prevalent terpene in things with a citrus smell (including lemons), and this is used to treat cancer and as an anti-inflammatory.
The most common terpenes
1. Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Pinene
Aroma: Pine
Effects: Alertness, memory retention, counteracts some THC effects
Medical Value: Asthma, antiseptic
Also Found In: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill
Strains: Jack Herer, Chemdawg, Bubba Kush, Trainwreck, Super Silver Haze
2. Myrcene
Aroma: Musky, cloves, earthy, herbal with notes of citrus and tropical fruit
Effects: Sedating ‘couchlock’ effect, relaxation
Medical Value: Antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, good for muscle tension, sleeplessness, pain, inflammation, depression
Also Found In: Mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops
Strains: Pure Kush, El Niño, Himalayan Gold, Skunk #1, White Widow
3. Limonene
Aroma: Citrus
Effects: Elevated mood, stress relief
Medical Value: Antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, dissolves gallstones, mood-enhancer; may treat gastrointensinal complications, heartburn, depression
Also Found In: Fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, peppermint
Strains: OG Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Jack the Ripper, Lemon Skunk
4. Caryophyllene
Aroma: Pepper, spicy, woody, cloves
Effects: No detectable physical effects
Medical Value: Gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory; good for arthritis, ulcers, autoimmune disorders, and other gastrointestinal complications
Also Found In: Black pepper, cloves, cotton
Strains: Hash Plant
5. Linalool
Aroma: Floral, citrus, candy
Effects: Anxiety relief and sedation
Medical Value: Anti-anxiety, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-acne
Also Found In: Lavender
Strains: G-13, Amnesia Haze, Lavender, LA Confidential
The next time you choose your weed, be sure to smell it and take in the notes present in it. The smell will tell you a lot about the terpenes present, which in turn will tell you a lot about the medical properties that the strain has. Terpenes are just as important as cannabinoids when it comes to the future of medical marijuana.
