Marijuana’s Aromas are Therapeutic: Enhance Relief with Terpenes

Marijuana’s aromatic compounds play a key a role in how you experience cannabis. Learn all about terpenes and how to take advantage of the entourage effect to optimize your experience with cannabis.

Have you ever wondered what gives different strains of cannabis their unique aromas, flavors, and effects?

The answer lies within very special aromatic compounds called terpenes. 

Every day of your life you and every person you know interacts with terpenes, but what are they and what do they do, exactly?

If you've ever been to a dispensary, or spent time around ripe marijuana plants, you are probably already familiar with some of the aromas that waft from its resinous flowers.  

From Blueberry Kush to Sour Tangie or Northern Skunk, there are thousands of differently named marijuana strains available, each with their own unique smells and taste profiles.

As you’ll learn, these special aromatic compounds do more than provide a pleasant smell and taste. They also play a vital roll in how we experience cannabis.

In this article, we’ll cover the therapeutic benefits of different terpenes and how the compounds guide your experience of cannabis. 

You’ll learn about different terpene profiles and how to predict what their effects might be. 

After reading this content, you’ll be able to choose the best strain for you based on a strain’s terpene profile and what effect or result you’re seeking.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes give things like food, tea, and even beer many of their unique aromas and properties. 

We are constantly inundated with terpenes through smells from nature such as flowers, herbs, trees, and plants.

You’ll also find terpenes infused into consumer products including everything from car cleaners to bath and body care. 

In nature, plants, trees, insects, and microorganisms use terpenes to send biological signals to other living organisms.

Marijuana plants produce terpenes to defend against predators or attract beneficial pollinators. 

The aromatic chemicals are synthesized within the flower’s sticky resins. The flower’s resinous coating also serves to protect the plant’s genetics from harsh climate conditions.

Rainforests are one of the largest producers of terpenes. In places like the Amazon Rainforest, terpenes help the microclimate to self-regulate its temperature.  

Warm weather causes the forest to “perspire”, or evaporate its abundant moisture. Water-soluble terpenes are released in the forest’s “perspiration” and help to serve as cloud seeds in the atmosphere, which are the base from which raindrops and rain clouds are formed. 

In other words, plants and trees use terpenes for reproduction, chemical warfare, and weather modification. Far out, right?

So, how do terpenes affect your experience of marijuana? First, let’s learn a little bit more about different terpenes in cannabis.

Types of Terpenes in Cannabis

While there are more than 300,000 terpenes that exist throughout nature, there are only around 200 that can be found in cannabis plants. 

Of those found in cannabis, only a few of them are found in concentrations high enough to create notable therapeutic effects. 

Here are a few of the most common terpenes found in cannabis that have notable benefits to be considered. 

Beta-Caryophyllene 

Found in many plants such as cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and Thai basil, B-Caryophyllene has a peppery, spicy, earthen-wood smell. 

Studies have shown that B-caryophyllene has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic, or pain-relieving, properties. 

Other studies also indicate it to possess properties that could be beneficial in conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and neuropathy pain. 

Limonene 

A well-known terpene that has a history of medical use, limonene carries sweet & sour citrus, lemon-like aromas. 

Also found in citrus fruits including oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and tangerines, Limonene is another terpene found commonly in cannabis. 

It’s known for creating an uplifting and energizing effect and is a great aromatherapy for treating symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

Similar to most terpenes in cannabis, Limonene has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. But, one of its most popular benefits comes from its anti-cancer properties.  

Studies show that Limonene inhibits the growth of cancer cells and tumors, preventing them from creating new blood vessels and infecting surrounding tissues. 

Myrcene

The most common terpene found in Indica dominant cannabis strains, Myrcene can compose as much as 50 percent of the total terpene content in some strains.

You can also find Myrcene in mangos, basil, hops, and lemongrass. Its aromas range from earthy and musky, to fruity flavors and notes of clove spice.

Just a few of Myrcene’s beneficial properties include – 

• Antimicrobial 

• Antiseptic

• Antioxidant

• Anti-carcinogenic

• Anti-depressant 

• Anti-inflammatory 

Mangoes & THC

You may have heard of an old stoner myth that if says if you eat a ripe mango half an hour before getting high that you will get more high than you would normally. 

Well, it’s actually not a myth it’s true! Myrcene from the ripe mango synergizes with THC from cannabis, increasing the psychoactive effect of marijuana. 

This demonstrates a phenomenon called the entourage effect. Here’s how it works between Myrcene in ripe mangoes and THC.

Myrcene crosses the blood-brain barrier held by cell membranes much easier than compounds like THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. 

In short, THC is essentially able to “catch a ride” with Myrcene allowing more of the compound to permeate cellular barriers in the brain, increasing its psychoactive potential.

That’s why eating a ripe mango full of Myrcene about half an hour before enjoying cannabis will increase its psychoactive effects. 

The Entourage Effect 

So what is the entourage effect, exactly? 

Basically, it refers to the synergy of terpenes working together with cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, to enhance their effects exponentially.

Each strain of cannabis possesses unique combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids, often referred to as the strains profile or fingerprint. 

So, while two different strains may have the same THC content, different terpene profiles could produce very different results. 

Understanding the properties of terpenes and the entourage effect can help guide your strain-picking decisions. 

This is especially true when shopping for concentrates or cannabis oils and extracts. 

Terpenes in Cannabis Oil Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are refined resins extracted from cannabis flowers that offer a more pure and potent form of marijuana. 

“Strain-specific” concentrates replicate the profile of the original strain of cannabis, however not all extracts preserve terpene content vital to triggering the entourage effect. 

In terpene-lacking extracts, concentrated terpenes recovered from extraction or sourced from other types of plants are often added.

The added terpenes mimic desired flavors and can contribute to the overall effects and experience of cannabis concentrates. 

Make sure you watch out for artificial flavors and additives in your concentrates! 

You can learn more about the different types of cannabis concentrates in our other articles linked below. 

Strain Shopping for Optimum Effects

Now that we have covered what terpenes are and how they work to enhance therapeutic benefits, let's look into how to find the best strain for your needs. 

While everyone experiences marijuana differently, using terpenes as a guide for strain selection can help to optimize your experience. 

Some people may prefer certain flavors and tastes to others, while other people may just be interested in strains with high THC content. 

Ultimately, picking the most effective strain depends on your unique needs from cannabis. Ask yourself why are you using cannabis in the first place.

Are you experiencing depression, or having a hard time sleeping at night? Do you have chronic pain, or perhaps another type of ailment you are battling? 

Are you looking for a strain that’s more sedative or more stimulating? 

These are important questions to answer before you go strain shopping.

One of the most popular strains for anyone experiencing anxiety or body pain is Acapulco Gold. 

Acapulco Gold is highlighted by terpenes including Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Myrcene that gives it an earthy, coffee-like aroma accented by sweet and pungent pine notes.   

A Sativa-dominant strain high in THC, its genetics produce a chemical profile that can energize and uplift your mood while creating a relaxing body euphoria that helps to relieve chronic pain. 

A great example of a strain that provides powerful relief from a multitude of ailments is OG Shark, which is characterized by high levels of THC guided by a unique terpene profile.

OG Shark carries a heavy earthy-green skunk smell and is characterized by Myrcene, its primary terpene. 

Its profile holds properties that are beneficial in the treatment of symptoms from conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, and hypertension. 

With high levels of THC and Myrcene, you could expect OG Shark to produce couch-lock and sedative effects that make it perfect for night-time relaxation. 

Looking for something more cerebrally stimulating that can ameliorate stress and symptoms of depression? 

Sour Tangie is an award-winning strain known for its crisp, pure citrus flavors that offer a creative, inspiring effect on the mind.

Terpinolene, Myrcene, and Limonene, which give Sour Tangie a unique citrus pungency and fruity flavor, highlight its profile. 

The properties of these terpenes combined with the strain’s cannabinoid content produces effects that can help with feelings of lethargy and anxiety and can also help reduce chronic pain. 

As you see, while THC is incredibly therapeutic, it’s not always just about getting as high as you can. Terpenes play an important role in how cannabis makes you feel and therapeutic benefits you experience. 

All in all, we think that using your nose and newfound terpene knowledge can help you make a more informed decision at the dispensary. 

Learn More About Cannabis

Thanks for reading!

We hope this article will help inspire you to try some new strains and optimize the benefits you seek from cannabis. 

You can learn more about different strains, cannabis’ health effects, and cannabis products in our other articles linked below.  

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