~Terpene Basics~

+What are Terpenes[1]? (Cannabis)

• Organic compounds that provide aroma and flavor in cannabis and a variety of other organisms, including plants. Terpenes are responsible for the aroma and flavors of cannabis, and influence its effects by interacting with cannabinoids.[1]

• Terpenes are formed inside cannabis trichomes, and their relative presence is directly affected by both the spectrum and intensity of light exposure.[1]

• Scientifically speaking, terpenes are defined as “a large class of hydrocarbon compounds constructed from five-carbon isoprene units that are combined to produce a great variety of skeletons.” These basic molecular “skeletons” are “then acted upon by various enzymes to add functionality and altered oxidation,” processes that ultimately lead to the wide variety of effects produced by terpenes.[1]

• Cannabis is unique in that each strain has a unique profile of Terpenes. Terpenes are believed to exhibit medicinal properties independent from the cannabinoids. Overall, Terpenes contribute to a strain’s particular influence – a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.[2]

^Note: The entourage effect is a proposed mechanism by which cannabis compounds other than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) act synergistically with it to modulate the overall psychoactive effects of the plant.[3]

+Meet the Terpenes![2]

~Limonene:

•Aromas- Citrus Rinds, Juniper & Peppermint.

•Effects- Mood booster & Stress relief.

•Medical Benefits- Anti-Depression, Anti-Anxiety, Gastric Reflux & Anti-fungal.

•Also Found In- Citrus, Lemon & Orange.

•Terms To Describe- Uplifting, Energizing, Euphoric, Head-High.

~Caryophyllene:

•Aromas- Pepper, Woody, Spice.

•Effects- No detectable physical effects; possibly intensifies effects of THC.

•Medical Benefits- Antioxidant, Inflammation, Muscle Spasms, Pain & Insomnia.

•Also Found In- Pepper, Cloves, Hops, Basil & Oregano.

•Terms To Describe- Anti-inflammatory, helps with relieving pain.

~Linalool:

•Aromas- Floral, Citrus & Spice.

•Effects- Sedative & Calming.

•Medical Benefits- Insomnia, Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Pain & Convulsions.

•Also Found In- Lavender, Citrus, Laurel, Birch & Rosewood.

•Terms To Describe- Relaxing, Anti-Anxiety, “I can breathe” feeling, Anti-Depressant, Uplifting.

~Myrcene:

•Aromas- Musk, Cloves, Herbal & Citrus.

•Effects- Sedative, Relaxing, Enhances the THC’s psychoactivity.

•Medical Benefits- Anti-Septic, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Inflammatory.

•Also Found In- Mango, Thyme, Citrus, Lemongrass, Bay Leaves.

•Terms To Describe- Sleepy, Pain Reliever, Heavy Bodied, Body High.

~Humulene:

•Aromas- Woody & Earthy.

•Effects- Appetite Suppressant.

•Medical Benefits- Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial & Pain.

•Also Found In- Hops & Coriander.

•Terms To Describe- Little To No Munchies, Hunger Suppressant.

~a-Pinene:

•Aromas- Sharp, Sweet & Pine.

•Effects- Anti-Inflammation, Antibiotic, Pain Relief & Alertness.

•Medicinal Benefits- Anti-Inflammatory, Asthma (Bronchodilator), Arthritis & Crohn’s Disease.

•Also Found In- Pine Needles, Rosemary, Conifers & Sage.

•Terms To Describe- Anti-Inflammatory, Helps Respiratory Problems, bacteria, viruses.

~b-Pinene:

•Aromas- Sharp, Sweet & Pine.

•Effects- Memory Retention, Alertness & Anti-Depressant.

•Medical Benefits- Anti-Inflammatory, Depression & Asthma (Bronchodilator).

•Also Found In- Conifers, Sage, Dill, Parsley, Basil & Hops.

•Terms To Describe- Good For Memory, Sparks Creativity.

~Trans- Nerolidol:

•Aromas- Floral & Citrus.

•Effects- Anti-Fungal, Anti-Microbial & Anti-Parasitic.

•Medical Benefits- Sedative & Anti-Microbial.

•Also Found In- Lemongrass, Jasmine, Tea Tree & Ginger.

•Terms To Describe- Relaxing, Anti-Fungal, Slightly Sedative, Good For Night.

~Ocimene:

•Aromas- Herbal, Citrus & Woody.

•Effects- Decongestant, Anti-Viral, Anti-Fungal & Antiseptic.

•Medical Benefits- Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Fungal.

•Also Found In- Lavender, Basil, Orchid Flower & Mint.

•Terms To Describe- Decongestant, Feeling Of ‘Clear’ Lungs, Anti-Viral.

Well that concludes Terpene Basics! I hope you enjoyed the information & I hope that it helped you out! Thank you so very much for reading & please, if you enjoyed this then keep an eye out for my next articles! Remember: The effects & attributes of Terpenes may vary slightly from person to person, but are generally as listed above. Each Terpene has more recorded effects but, as previously stated, this is just the basics! Stay tuned for more articles on Terpenes, Gaming, Grasscity, etc! The more immediate article I’ll be working on is covering each Terpene individually & more in depth. Hope to see you around!

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~Sources~

For my sources on where I collected my information, please click the little numbers [1-3]* throughout the article! Thank you!

*[2] -the info I have from them is a packet they printed out, and had in the dispensary!