What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in the essential oils of plants.
Terpenes are responsible for the aromas, flavors and even colors in certain types of vegetation.
Nearly all plants contain terpenes, but they are more prevalent or more commonly associated with certain types of plants, such as cannabis, fruits, coniferous plants, or aromatic herbs.
While it has always been assumed that cannabinoids were the main force behind cannabis’ powerful effects, more research has come out in recent years showing that terpenes play a large role as well. The terpenes and cannabinoids together create a synergy or “entourage” effect which explains why two given strains may deliver very different experiences despite having the same THC or CBD percentage.
Understanding the terpene profile of a strain is key to creating the experience you desire or need from your cannabis.
Benefits
Terpenes have many benefits. Most likely you can already detect subtle differences in terpenes because you know certain strains of cannabis have different smells. But, you should also pay attention to the terpenes profile because they can affect how that specific plant makes you feel.
Some terpenes can make you relax, others have antimicrobial effects which may help fight infections, still others can help with pain relief and some have mental heath benefits, such as aiding in depression.
Terpenes have been used for centuries to enhance many products, such as perfume, essential oils, and even beer.
Terpenes and THC
Terpenes will not get you high, but they will affect the quality, intensity and type of high you feel.
The terpene profile in a certain strain, even a strain that has a moderate THC percentage, can create a potency that feels more powerful than the THC percentage indicates.
