Have you ever found yourself wondering where marijuana gets all of its incredible medicinal properties from? While cannabinoids like THC and CBD have a lot to do with it, there’s also another extremely important element involved, called terpenes. In this article, you’re going to discover what terpenes are and why it’s so important to know your terpenes.
What are Terpenes?
First and foremost, terpenes are the aromatic oils that provide marijuana with its highly unique scent. There are more than 100 of them that can be found in the cannabis plant alone. Pretty much any plant or fruit that you can think of contain terpenes. They’re what make citrus smell like citrus, mint smell like mint, and so on!
Terpenes change more than just the smell of marijuana, they also provide each strain with it’s own unique physiologic effects. Furthermore, each strain contains different combinations of terpenes (and cannabinoids.) It is highly recommended that if possible, you smell the different strains before you purchase them. The scents that appeal to you most, may very well be able to treat your symptoms the best.
Below you will find the most commonly found, beneficial terpenes, as well as their scent and potential physiologic effects. This will come in extremely handy if you are unable to smell the different strains while at the dispensary. Knowing what to look for, what appeals to you, and what doesn’t will help you get the relief that you need.
Most Beneficial Terpenes
Myrcene
This first terpene may smell slightly sour, like mango or citrus, or even a bit like hops. Myrcene can act as a sedative, anti-inflammatory agent, muscle relaxant, and pain reliever.
Limonene
It’s no surprise that Limonene will smell citrusy, like lemon, orange, or grapefruit. It can also smell like bergamot, which is a peppery scent. Limonene can act as a relaxant, anti-anxiety, anti-cancer, anti-nausea, or an anti-depressant agent.
Caryophyllene
This terpene smells extremely earthy, like pepper, clove, spice, or wood. It can act as an anti-inflammatory, sedative, or anti-nausea medication.
Linalool
Linalool is going to smell floral, like flowers, sage, and hops. It will act as an anti-anxiety, anti-convulsant, sedative, and pain-reliever.
Pinene
This terpene comes with a sharp, fresh, pine scent. It can help you focus, be more alert, and have a better memory. Pinene is also an anti-inflammatory.
Pulegone
Pulegone is a minty, icy, cooling and refreshing terpene! It has memory enhancing capabilities and can also act as a sedative and chest decongestant.
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol is another earthy one. It carries scents of spice, woods, camphor, rosemary, but can also be quite refreshing. This terpene is another memory-enhancer, and is also alerting, stimulating, and can be used as a sinus decongestant.
Nerolidol
Last but not least, nerolidol is flowery and woodsy. It is anti-anxiety, as well as relaxing and sedating.
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Now that you know your terpenes, you’ll know what to look for when you walk into the dispensary. Of course, there will usually be bud tenders that can help answer any questions that you may have. It may take time to find the right strain to treat your symptoms. The good news is that marijuana is all-natural, meaning that trying different strains is not harmful. You may be surprised with the scents that stick out to you!
If you’re interested in becoming a medical marijuana patient, call us at (844) 442-0362 or schedule your free consultation online, with one of our licensed physicians, today
