Thanks to our recent blog post, now you know that the indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid classification system is mostly a myth.
So, what does determine the effects of various cannabis products then? How come some help you chill out, while others inspire waves of creative energy and focus?
In large part, the answer is cannabis-derived terpenes.
Not only do they influence the way you feel when you smoke (or vape or take an edible) – but they also have a profound effect on the way your cannabis tastes.
Even if you’re far from new to the cannabis community, understanding cannabis-derived terpenes will unlock a whole new world of (flavor-filled, potent) potential for you.
At Garden Remedies, we’re proud to give you the educational resources you need to enjoy your cannabis journey to the fullest. Come check us out at our dispensaries in Newton, Melrose, and Marlborough, MA – or shop our high-quality green online.
What in the World Are Cannabis-Derived Terpenes?
If you’ve been an eagle-eyed consumer of cannabis, you may have noticed that many product labels give information about terpenes. Soon you’ll stop just glancing over those confusing percentages once you know what they mean.
A Terrific Type of Terpene
Terpenes are not only about cannabis: they’re compounds found in many plants, mostly responsible for producing their scents and influencing their effects.
For instance, botanical terpenes are found in a variety of fruits, herbs, flowers, and other plants. They correspond with scents and effects: the limonene in citrus fruits causes their bright aroma; found in pine trees and herbs like rosemary, pinene creates the woody scent we all associate with winter.
Many of these terpenes even protect their plants from predators and pathogens.
Terpenes are also the active ingredients in essential oils, providing enticing smells as well as potential health benefits.[1]
A Crucial Component of Cannabis
As you’ve learned from experience, the terpenes in cannabis are something special.
Housed in cannabis plants’ trichomes, and made of sticky, mushroom-shaped fibers, cannabis-derived terpenes contribute to the identity of each plant. They strongly influence both the plant’s unique aroma and effects, and cannabis plants have an exceptionally high concentration of terpenes.
However, they’re not actually the part of the plant that gets you high – that’s the THC found in cannabis flower. Instead, they interact with THC and other cannabinoids (like CBD) to influence the quality, strength, and overall feel of your high.[2]
Think of cannabis-derived terpenes like the second violin in an orchestra. They’re not flashy like first violinists (at least not yet) who tend to steal the spotlight. But their role is absolutely crucial to the performance of the entire orchestra, as they provide needed harmony, rhythm, structure, texture, and support to all.
Still not convinced that terpenes outshine the old sativa vs. indica vs. hybrid categories when it comes to cannabis?
The Essential Expression of Effects
To be fair, the other components of cannabis matter too – influencing the features of the plant and how you feel when you enjoy it. Although we side with cannabis-derived terpenes if we had to choose just one significant part, all parts do work together to produce the effects we know and love.
This synergy between various cannabis compounds is called the entourage effect. Terpenes and cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) enhance each other’s strength and therapeutic properties – which leads to a more robust experience than if you were just consuming, vaping, or smoking individual components.
Cannabis-derived terpenes still play a crucial role within the entourage effect, as an article by STIIIZY confirms:
“If cannabinoids like THC are the engine, then terpenes are like the steering wheel: they take you where you want to go. Many believe that the categories of indica, sativa, and hybrid will tell you what the effects of a weed strain will be. The truth is it’s actually all about the terps.”[3]
When you’re looking to understand the effects of a cannabis product – so you can consistently select ones that will work well with you – leaning too heavily on the indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid distinction won’t get you far. The entourage effect is complex by nature and hard to understand just based on a product’s label.
Focusing on cannabis-derived terpenes is your best bet.
Choosing Cannabis-Derived Terpenes Based on Their Effects
A 2024 study from Johns Hopkins confirms the importance of cannabis-derived terpenes – and their instrumental role in the effects of various cannabis products.
Researchers discovered that the terpene limonene effectively mitigates anxiety when taken with vaporized THC. Of the participants studied, half took 30 milligrams of THC, and the other half took the same dose mixed with limonene. Most in the first group began to feel anxious and paranoid (since, as you may know, 30 milligrams is a pretty sky-high dose and not recommended for beginner cannabis users).
On the other hand, participants who vaped THC and limonene reported substantially lower rates of anxiety and paranoia. They also tended to experience more relaxation.[4]
Clearly, terpenes show great promise, and we hope that more research will tell us more about this marvelous type of compound in the coming years.
In the meantime, we understand that cannabis-derived terpenes provide wide-ranging aromas and effects. So, which type of terpene will you look for next? It depends on your intentions.
Limonene to Reduce Stress & Boost Your Mood
As the recent study shows, the cannabis-derived terpene limonene has potentially positive effects on mood. It’s known to reduce stress while providing a natural lift in energy, wonderful for propelling you through the day’s activities.
Like the study’s participants, you may be able to consume higher doses of THC when they’re paired with limonene, thanks to its soothing effects.
Its scent is equally invigorating. Found in many citrus fruits, you’ll recognize limonene in your favorite lemon or orange-smelling strains.
Myrcene for Soothing Benefits
Myrcene is the single most abundant cannabis-derived terpene, found in cannabis plants of all varieties. It creates the earthy, warm, herbal smell that we all associate with marijuana.
This cannabis-derived terpene is also largely responsible for how chilled out you might feel after smoking or ingesting different forms of cannabis. It provides full-bodied relaxation and head-to-toe soothing. You’ve probably already been enjoying its effects.
Linalool for Anti-Anxiety & Relaxation
Hoping to let your stress melt away and calm your mind? Look out for cannabis products that contain high quantities of linalool.
Folks in the cannabis community prize linalool for its ability to cause calm and reduce anxiety. It’s the perfect complement to potent cannabis products because it can help your experience remain grounded, sweet, and soothing.
Linalool is the main terpene in lavender plants; as a cannabis-derived terpene, it smells just like a garden of lavender.
Pinene for Alertness
Pinene carries the aroma of another natural landscape: pine forests. It has the charming scent of fir and pine.
With anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to promote alertness, pinene can provide a balanced, somewhat invigorating high. We would indulge in it about half an hour before taking a vigorous walk in nature – or if you’re looking to perk up in the morning before a full day of chores around the house.
This terpene is the fusion of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, present in pine trees, basil, and rosemary, as well as many cannabis plants.
Caryophyllene to Eliminate Inflammation
Though this cannabis-derived terpene can be less familiar than others, you may recognize its signature black peppery scent. It has notes of clove and other warming spices.
Scientists have discovered that caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors, making it the only cannabis-derived terpene that acts like a cannabinoid (at least until more research potentially uncovers others). It reduces inflammation, helping you have a restful and beneficial high.[5]
As soon as you realize how directly cannabis-derived terpenes influence the effects of various products, you’re already prepared to choose your next ones with more care. It’s worth looking past the simple indica, sativa, or hybrid label to uncover what you really need for the experience you’re seeking.
Select the Best Terpene-Rich Cannabis Products from Garden Remedies
Some companies sell products that only contain cannabis-derived terpenes, so you can taste their benefits without the influence of cannabinoids.
At Garden Remedies, we offer many kinds of cannabis that contain complex, delicious, and potent terpene profiles – from flower to edibles to concentrates. Now that you know what to look for, see what catches your eye!
Refreshing Flower
Carbon Fiber | Sweet | Special Stash by REALM
- Contains Beta Caryophyllene 0.75%, Limonene 0.44%
With moderate amounts of beta caryophyllene and limonene, among several other cannabis-derived terpenes, our Carbon Fiber flower tastes sweet and spicy. You’ll catch notes of citrus among strong wafts of black pepper and spices. Some have described its taste and smell as divine.
Carbon Fiber is the genetic result of crossing (Grape Pie x Cookies & Cream) with Biscotti, a delicious mix of desert-like strains. You may find your mood quickly lifted, as your worries melt away and your body unwinds.
Try Carbon Fiber with a stimulating conversation, a nice hike in nature, the new book you’re excited to read, or video games. It’s sure to add sweetness to your day.
Delicata Grapes | Small Buds by Seconds
- Contains Limonene 0.34%, Beta Myrcene 0.23%, Linalool 0.23%, Beta Caryophyllene 0.14%
What do you imagine would happen if you used cannabis with this balanced cannabis-derived terpene profile for your next joint?
You’d experience an enticing mix of stress relief, relaxation, and liveliness. These terpenes interact to give you a special sort of pep in your step. You’ll be able to experiment with your dosage and how you’d like to smoke the flower thanks to our 1 oz. container.
These Delicata Grapes small buds are part of our Fruit Realm thanks to their bright flavor and aroma, which is equal parts citrus and berry. It’s ideal for those who might be seeking out a sativa-like experience – since its cannabis-derived terpene profile causes the invigorating effects you used to associate with those strains.
This flower is considered top cut with 28.9% THC. Share it with your friends to spread the benefits and brighten up your nights.
Medicinal Concentrate
- Contains Linalool 0.35%, Limonene 0.24%, Beta Caryophyllene 0.17%
This kief, a solventless concentrate , is packed with magical cannabis-derived trichomes. We suggest you sprinkle it on a bowl, add it to your next joint, or cook with it to see for yourself how it magnifies your high.
As its name suggests, Mintdicinal may be the medicine you need when you’re feeling down. Thanks to its wonderful blend of linalool, limonene, and beta caryophyllene, you’ll be feeling invigorated and chill all at once!
Made by crossing Dr. Lime #10 with Kush Mints #2, Mintdicinal tastes like mint with strong notes of flowers and spice. It’s prescription strength, ideal for instilling relief.
Full-Spectrum Edible
Full Spectrum Mango Punch (Sativa) I With Caffeine by High Flavor
These Mango Punch gummies, filled with caffeine and made from sativa strains, will give you a punch of energy, focus, and vigor – best suited for mornings when you want to get up and going with a bright attitude.
As full-spectrum edibles, they contain a diversity of cannabis-derived terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds (giving you a more well-rounded experience than gummies that only have THC or CBD). You’ll love the balanced and full high provided by their terpene profile.
Pre-Roll from Paradise
Hawaiian Mango Infused Pre-Roll I 2 Pack by High Flavor
- Contains Beta Myrcene 0.61%, Beta Caryophyllene 0.59%, Linalool 0.46%, Alpha Pinene 0.31%, Limonene 0.3%, Beta Pinene 0.23%
With a profile of cannabis-derived terpenes this diverse… our Hawaiian Mango Infused Pre-Roll by High Flavor is a one-way ticket to a tropical destination. You might start to feel like you’re on vacation with the wave of relaxation, ease, and restful aliveness that crashes over you.
The flavor and aroma of this pre-roll is mixed and overwhelmingly sweet (but not overwhelming). The earthiness of myrcene and beta caryophyllene are a nice complement to the fruity brightness of linalool and pinene.
You might want to pick some up for yourself… and enjoy it with friends, so you can share this treat in all seasons together.
Elevate Your Cannabis Journey with Garden Remedies
Regardless of your preferences, and how many years you’ve been a fan of cannabis, understanding cannabis-derived terpenes will guide you to make the best selections possible.
As time goes by – and marijuana becomes more socially accepted through legalization and increasing research – more will find out about the importance of terpenes. Since they boldly influence the flavor, aroma, and effects of cannabis products, cannabis-derived terpenes are truly our favorite lesser-known part of the cannabis plant.
There’s truly a ton to learn besides the tired old sativa vs. indica vs. hybrid categories. We’ll see how many companies and folks like you agree with us in the coming years.
As your go-to dispensary in Massachusetts, Garden Remedies is committed to being at the cutting-edge of cannabis innovation. We include terpene profiles on many of our product labels, always looking for new ways to help our community discover what’s right for them. Choose your next products online – or visit our dispensaries in Newton, Melrose, and Marlborough, MA for personalized suggestions from our expert team of Cannabis Advisors.
[2] https://www.sunmedgrowers.com/education-resources/blog/post/cannabis-derived-terpenes/
[3] https://www.stiiizy.com/blogs/learn/what-are-cannabis-derived-terpenes
[4] https://www.sfgate.com/cannabis/article/cannabis-study-terpenes-thc-anxiety-19358451.php
[5] https://www.sunmedgrowers.com/education-resources/blog/post/cannabis-derived-terpenes/
