Terps 101: Why Terps Matter
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Have you ever wondered why terps are so important? Prepare yourself to explore the aromatic world of terpenes, those small but powerful molecules found in plants, particularly cannabis. Terpenes collaborate with cannabinoids to produce the entourage effect, which affects various strains' overall enjoyment and health advantages. So, if you're up for a fragrant journey into why terps matter more than you might think, buckle up and let's explore!
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are like nature's perfume artists, crafting the unique scents that make plants, including cannabis, stand out in a fragrant crowd. These little wonders aren't just about making things smell amazing; they also have a whole bag of tricks up their sleeves. Some terpenes beckon bees for a pollination dance, while others serve as a protective shield, warding off plant-munching critters.
But here's the coolest part: Terpenes aren't just present in flowers and herbs; they're everywhere, creating a captivating tapestry of smells that weave through the natural world. So, the next time you catch a whiff of a delightful aroma, remember, it's the terpenes that are orchestrating this olfactory masterpiece!
Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis
To better understand the unique characteristics of terpenes, we break down the commonly found cannabis terpenes together with their effects to better analyze which is the right one for you.
Limonene
This terpene has a citrus flavor and can uplift your mood. You can find this in most of the cannabis varieties, specifically sativa. This is believed to help reduce anxiety, depression, pain, and inflammation.
Humulene
A similar product that has humulene present is beer, it does not contain cannabis but rather hops. It has a musty smell and it might be familiar to you if you're a drinker. The reason why it has a significant and exact smell is that hops and cannabis both contain humulene. One of the positive effects of this terpene is reducing tumors and has antibacterial properties.
Alpha-Pinene
This terpene is present in pine trees. It has an extensive list of potential benefits. These include bronchodilators, pain relief, anxiety relief, anti-inflammatory, and short-term memory impairment.
Beta-Caryophyllene
This spicy and woody terpene is present in Indica strains. If you often feel in pain, you better have this terpene because it has analgesic applications which can help to reduce pain. Furthermore, it can help in managing your stress, and uplift your mood resulting in a euphoric experience.
Myrcene
You can't go wrong with myrcene, it is known for its relaxing and sedating effects. If you consume a product with high myrcene, there's a higher chance that you'll fall asleep. Apart from reducing your pain, stress, and anxiety, this is also rooted in traditional approaches which are herbal medicine.
Linalool
It is also known as lavender or floral terp. It was proved that linalool also has sedative side effects which can help to calm you whenever you are under pressure. It has the scent of a natural anxiolytic which can decrease anxiety symptoms and stress. It is indeed a powerful terpene because of serotonin.
Does it Matter?
Yes, it does! Terpenes contribute a lot to the flavor and aroma of your favorite cannabis product. OG fans or consumers buy cannabis products according to their smell, if it has a good smell then it definitely gives you a good experience. On the other hand, if you are a newbie, this might be new to you. But as long as you are continuously giving an effort to identify how each cannabis differs, eventually, you'll get there! A piece of advice to follow your nose, if the smell is in your preference, grab that one!