What Are Cannabis Terpenes and What Do They Do?

While walking into your favorite cannabis dispensary, eyes are instantly attracted by the products showing off the highest THC percentage. Whether you’re shopping for cannabis flowers, vapes, or edibles, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, believing that the THC is the only factor that matters in your cannabis experience. But what if we told you there’s a relatively lesser-known compound in the cannabis plants that not only makes cannabis strains unique but also shapes your experience? And that is terpenes. But what are terpenes? What do they do? Are terpenes and cannabinoids the same? We know there are plenty of questions to answer! 
 
So, today, in this article, we’ll answer everything a cannabis consumer needs to know about terpenes. Keep reading to realize why you should educate yourself about cannabis terpene profiles to pick the best cannabis products! 

What Are Cannabis Terpenes

Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds present in plants including cannabis. The distinctive aromas, flavors, and colors you experience from your favorite cannabis strain, in fact, come from its terpene profile. So, this means terpenes make cannabis strains unique in terms of taste, smell, and color. 
 
Now you might be thinking of what are good terpene levels. Clearly, as we said, terpene potency matters too. So, if you’re lucky enough and get around 3-4 percent terpene levels, you would most likely experience fuller and greater high. 
 
But how do you identify terpenes in cannabis plants? Well, in cannabis, terpenes are produced in the trichomes of the female cannabis plant. They help the female plant to interact with its environment by attracting pollinators and preventing predators. 
 
Common Sources of Terpenes Include: 

Fun Fact: Do you know eating mango 45 minutes before consuming cannabis may elevate your experience by making you feel greater high? It’s because mangoes contain terps, especially Myrcene, in higher amounts that interact with THC to produce stronger effects of marijuana. 
 

What Do Terpenes Do?

Terpenes add many values to the cannabis plants. They play a pivotal role in shaping the aroma and flavor of cannabis strains. These naturally occurring compounds give each strain its distinctive aroma and taste, whether it’s earthy, citrusy, or floral.  
 
Beyond their sensory influence, terpenes also possess potential therapeutic properties just like the popular cannabinoids. Some terpenes are thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving effects. 
 
However, terpenes may not get you high alone. But they work synergistically with cannabinoid content like CBD and THC and enhance their effects through what is known as the “entourage effect”. This means that cannabis effects become more powerful when there is a balanced combination of terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds. 
 
According to one study, “terpenes can produce pain relief in various pain states in both humans and animals”. However, we need more research findings on terpenes for their medicinal uses. So far, one thing we’re pretty certain that if a cannabis plant has good levels of terpenes, it will improve its effects and potency. 
 

Common Terpenes and Their Effects

So far, there are 150 terpenes have been identified in the resin of different cannabis types. Out of these known terpenes, very few have been explored by researchers.  
 
Here is a list of terpenes that are linked to specific effects: 

Myrcene

One terpene that is abundant in cannabis is myrcene. Many people know it for its earthy, musky, and fruity smell. Cannabis strains that contain high levels of myrcene (>0.5% myrcene) are often Indicas. Since myrcene has sedative effects, it promotes relaxation and may help you sleep better. 
 
Besides, preclinical studies found that myrcene shows both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it beneficial for pain relief and reducing inflammation. Plus, it may also act as a muscle relaxant that contributes to its calming effects. 
 
Here are some cannabis strains that have myrcene in them: