There is something t inside the Cannabis flowers that makes it alluring for smokers, not only they seek therapeutic and psychoactive effects but also its dazzling array of delightful aroma. Different kinds of strain possess different kinds of aroma that are truly addicting. However, for someone new to the world of Cannabis, what are terpenes are?
Terpene aromas are molecules that work ideally good with other cannabis compounds that cause the “High” sensation. Together, they produce a specific sensation along with other cannabis compounds called as the “entourage effect”. In this article, we’ll further discuss what are terpenes in cannabis and what do they do that is making people alluded to it.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are primarily responsible for why Marijuana smoke is aromatic and also for plants. When specific animals put their nose on different kinds of plants, they are enjoying the aromas of terpenes, just like smelling a good cup of wine, it is enticing, right?
Terpenes are molecules that are produced by all plants in this world. Terpenes are one of the most diverse and biggest families of organic compounds in this world.
In Cannabis, terpenes are manufactured to the tiniest bits of levels resinous trichomes of the plant. One of the key components of a Marijuana plant is trichomes, they are the sticky and oil-producing glands that make Marijuana plants look frosty in appearance. Also, these resin glands are the ones who contain the famous psychoactive component found in Marijuana plants, the Tetrahydrocannabinol, or the THC.
As Marijuana plants have terpenes that are responsible for the aroma, THC doesn’t provide any scent or aroma, they only contain those therapeutic and psychoactive effects. THC or CBD aren’t only the ones who are making marijuana plants unique. Terpenes make up about 20 to 30% of the entire weight of the resin gland found in cannabis flowers.
There are more than 20,000 variabilities of terpenes appear all through nature, and around 200 of those are found in Marijuana plants. In a way, these molecules can be combined in a multitude of ways that will produce different kinds of unique chemical properties.
Also, these combinations give each cannabis their very own distinct personalities.
Terpenes, What do They Do?
In case you wonder why each different strains offer different kinds of aroma, that’s because of terpene profiles. Each strain has its unique terpene configuration that makes them different from others. For example, an OG Kush strain has a different aroma compared to the Northern Lights strain. Terpenes give nuances to cannabis strain to make them different with one another
Also, each terpene molecule works with cannabinoids like THC, offering each strain with their very own different chemical impression.
Terpenes, What they do in a Cannabis plant?
Understanding Terpenes are an essential part of your growing journey. It helps you get a good grasp on why each strain differs from the other. As it turns out, terpenes do a lot more than you think, not only they provide aroma but they are one of the key compounds to the survival of the plant.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, Terpenes are compounds found in plants. They give the plants the ability to react with nature. It is like us humans, we react through our movement. When we are afraid, what do we do? We run. When want something, what do we do? We use movement to get those things that we want.
The same can be said for the plants but are differently related because plants don’t use movement as we do. Instead, what they do is the way of chemical signaling, in this way they can attract or deter things away. One of the best ways to attract would-be pollinators is through scent, the flavorful scent attracts pollinators, and this result in the survival of their race. Terpenes are one of the key compounds that will help ensure the survival of the plant’s race.
One good thing about genes is it can be passed on through its offspring just like a child inheriting the genes of its parents. Thus, terpene profiles can be passed on for generations.
How Do Terpenes Affect our Body?
One of the most common ways how we react with Terpenes is through our nose and the respiratory system. As we inhale those delicious scents, it goes through our nose and then triggers our olfactory nerves, which then transmits signals through the center of our brain.
However, the nose and respiratory isn’t the only one that is responding to these molecules. There’s a piece of collective evidence suggests that these terpene molecules may trigger a unique response environmentally from our body.
Moreover, there is still a lot of understanding to do about terpenes and how they can affect our entire body. One thing holds about Terpenes in cannabis, they make it more addictive with different kinds of terpene profiles each one possesses.
Terpene Profiles Common in Cannabis
There are around 200 known terpenes found in Cannabis, or even more. Each plant or strain differs from one another but maybe in some ways similar when you consider their heritage. Also, there are more common terpenes than the other. Here are some of the most common Terpenes found in Cannabis.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is one of the most common terpenes founds in Cannabis. This compound is found in black peppers that offers a strong and spicy kick reminiscent of the traditional household spice. What’s good about Caryophyllene is it may act as a cannabinoid too, similar to THC. However, don’t expect psychoactive high when comparing the two. Instead, the aromas help engage with other cannabinoids receptors on immune cells.
Myrcene
Myrcene is commonly found on lemongrass and hops, it has that distinct musky aroma that smokers enticed about it. This relaxing molecule is often found in Indica potent strains. This molecule is expected to give users muscle relaxing ability that is sure to give them pain-free movements for hours.
Linalool
This type of Terpene molecule is often found in lavender plants. They produce sweet and floral aromas combined with calming features. Linalool is a proven compound capable of relieving stress according to clinical trials. Some strains with purple or lavender in their name are most popular because they possess high concentrations of Linalool compounds. To name a few strains such as Granddaddy Purple, Lavender, and Alaskan Thunderfuck.
Conclusion
If you are an avid smoker or grower, it is important to know what are terpenes and are they associated with cannabis. This will give you a better understanding of why each strain has different aromas from the others. Terpenes are also what’s making cannabis strain unique from one another.
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