Cannabis Derived Terpenes: What are they?

Cannabis has a way of waking up the senses, whether it's the piney smell of Grape Ape or the sweet taste and smell of Pineapple Express.

Terpenes are what give your favorite high-quality cannabis flower its taste and smell, even if you don't know it. Terpenes that come from cannabis are not only what give cannabis products its distinctive taste and smell, but they are also what give it a wide range of possible medical benefits. As the cannabis industry expands, more information regarding the terpene content and quality of various strains is becoming available.

WHY DO WE USE TERPENES THAT COME FROM CANNABIS?

Terpenes are aromatic oils that are made in the same glands that make cannabinoids like THC and CBD. They are what give cannabis its wide range of full spectrum flavors and smells.

With over 100 different kinds of terpenes identified in the cannabis plant, cannabis originally created these small molecules as a strategy to fight off pests and draw in pollinators to spread their seed. Little did they know that they would end up bringing in humans as well.

While there is some variation in the types of terpenes contained in cannabis owing to various circumstances, each strain has a distinct terpene profile. That is, offspring of a strain like Pineapple Express are likely to share that strain's tropical aroma, whereas offspring of Sour Diesel tend to take on the skunky perfume of its father. Therefore, knowing your preferred cannabis strains will also help you learn more about the terpenes you enjoy.

What are botanical terpenes?

Because they can be found in nature, botanical derived terpenes are less expensive. As an added bonus, the simplified extraction processes method helps keep prices down.

Terpenes found in plants are equally effective as those found in marijuana. Plant-derived terpenes can stimulate the entourage effect and potentiate cannabis to operate better in the body after consumption.

What exactly are synthetic terpenes, and how are these compounds manufactured?

Synthetic terpenes are not present in nature, unlike to terpenes derived from cannabis and plant-derived terpenes, which can be found in essential oils collected from flowers and fruits. However, cannabis-derived terpenes do occur naturally in the cannabis plant.

In a laboratory, synthetic terpenes are created through the combination and manipulation of several chemical compounds. The ability to concoct such synthetic analogs gives producers the ability to construct any terpene products profile they so wish.

Common cannabis terpenes and their effects:

Cannabis is known to contain over 400 different terpenes, but scientists have only connected a select few of those terpenes to certain effects.

The following is a list of some common terpenes and the potential effects they have:

• Beta-caryophyllene. Beta-caryophyllene, which is found in cloves, rosemary, and hops, has been shown to provide potential health benefits for the management of symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.
• Beta-pinene. If you've ever walked through a forest filled with conifers, you're familiar with the scent of beta-pinene, which has been speculated to have possible health benefits including antidepressant and anticancer effects.
• Humulene. Ginseng, which has been utilized for decades in traditional medicine for the stimulating qualities it provides, contains this terpene.
• Limonene. Limonene, which is one of the terpenes that can be detected the most frequently, possesses notes of citrus and has been speculated to possibly have anti-cancer qualities. It has been demonstrated to have qualities that alleviate anxiety in rats.
• Linalool. Fans of lavender aromatherapy may want to look for cannabis strains that include linalool, which has been shown to reduce feelings of tension.
• Myrcene. Myrcene, which is found in mangoes, has been shown to be effective against fungi and bacteria, and it also has the potential to induce sleep.

When you go shopping for vapes, disposables, or edibles the next time, make sure to check the terpene profile. This will allow you to have an experience that is ultimately much more satisfying.