As more states legalize cannabis for medical or adult use, and as the pandemic keeps many people at home, U.S. cannabis sales have grown fast. Cannabis is now part of books, social media, entertainment, and food. Whether you are a seasoned expert or a curious new user, it helps to know the science behind cannabis. That way, you can choose strains and product types that fit your needs. A good place to start is the plant’s chemical makeup.
Summary
Cannabinoids and terpenes are key cannabis compounds that shape a strain’s effects, smell, and possible benefits. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD work with the body’s cannabinoid system. Terpenes add scent and may boost effects through the entourage effect. Knowing both can help people choose strains and delivery methods that better match their goals.
What Are Cannabinoids?
The cannabis plant contains compounds called cannabinoids. THC is the best known because it is mind-altering. CBD is also well known, but it is not mind-altering. The plant does not make active THC and CBD right away. Instead, it makes cannabinoid acids that must be heated to become those forms.
The plant has hundreds of compounds, but only dozens count as cannabinoids besides THC and CBD. These are set apart by how mind-altering they are.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are hydrocarbon compounds that give many plants and herbs their smell, including rosemary, lavender, thyme, sage, and citrus. If you have ever enjoyed the smell of essential oils, you have noticed terpenes at work.
In nature, terpenes help protect plants from bacteria and fungus. In cannabis, terpenes form inside trichomes. More than 100 types have been found in the plant.
Terpenes also help drive the entourage effect. The idea is that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids may work better together than they do alone. Full-spectrum cannabis contains all three. Although the names are sometimes used alike, terpenes and terpenoids are different. Terpenes occur in a living plant, while terpenoids form as the plant dries and cures and the terpenes oxidize.
Delivery and Heat
Choosing a cannabis delivery method is personal. People may prefer inhalation, oral use, topical use, or vaping. Vaping is often favored because it helps preserve terpene quality.
Vaping warms the flower to a set temperature instead of burning it fast. This can help protect terpenes and may also support the effects of cannabinoids.
Common Terpenes and Their Benefits
Terpenes may give cannabis strains their signature smell and may also offer health support for some issues.
- Myrcene: the most common terpene in cannabis. It has an earthy, fruit-like smell and is also found in cloves, thyme, and lemongrass. It is linked with a calm effect and may help with pain or inflammation.
- Limonene: the second most common terpene in cannabis. It has a bright citrus smell and is found in lemons, limes, and oranges. Limonene is said to ease stress and have antiseptic properties.
- Linalool: this terpene has a light, floral smell. It is found in cinnamon, lavender, and coriander. It is also thought to help give cannabis its strong smell and may have calm, soothing effects that can help with depression, insomnia, anxiety, and arthritis.
- Terpinolene: found in many cannabis strains, usually in smaller amounts. It has a piney, woodsy smell with floral notes, and it may have antiseptic, antioxidant, and calming effects.
- Beta-Caryophyllene: this terpene has spicy, peppery notes. It is found in cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, and oregano, and it may have antioxidant and anti-anxiety properties.
- Alpha-Pinene: this terpene gives pine trees their familiar aroma. It is also found in rosemary, sage, and basil. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with stomach issues.
Effects of Terpenes vs Cannabinoids
More research is still needed to fully understand the effects of terpenes and cannabinoids. Even so, we know that cannabinoids affect the body’s cannabinoid system by activating CB1 receptors on cell surfaces. That is what creates the THC high.
CBD works on the same receptors, but it does not create the same high because it blocks those effects from CB1 receptors. Terpenes also interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Their effects may be stronger when they are paired with other cannabinoids in the entourage effect than when they are consumed on their own through other plants or fruit.
The more you understand terpenes and cannabinoids, the more you can improve your cannabis experience. By learning how to use terpene profiles and trying different strains, you can choose products that fit your needs.
Q&A
Question: What is the main difference between cannabinoids and terpenes?
Cannabinoids are compounds such as THC and CBD that work with the body’s cannabinoid system and can influence a high or clear relief. Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbon compounds that give cannabis and many other plants their distinct smell, and they may also shape a strain’s overall effects.
Question: Why does cannabis need heat to activate certain cannabinoids?
The cannabis plant makes cannabinoid acids instead of the active forms of THC and CBD. Heat activates these compounds, so warming, vaping, or other heating methods can change how cannabinoids affect the body.
Question: What does the entourage effect mean in this context?
The entourage effect is the idea that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids may work better together than separately. Full-spectrum cannabis contains all three, and terpenes may have stronger effects when paired with cannabinoids than when used on their own.
Question: Why might vaping preserve terpenes better than smoking?
Vaping warms cannabis flower to a controlled temperature instead of burning it fast. That can help keep terpene quality and allows heat changes that may affect both cannabinoids and terpenes.
Question: How can terpene knowledge help someone choose a cannabis strain?
Different terpenes are tied to different smells and possible effects. For example, myrcene is linked with calm, limonene with stress relief, and alpha-pinene with anti-inflammatory support. Knowing terpene profiles can help people choose strains that fit their goals.
Biography
Kimberly Tronic is an author, copywriter and content creator. She enjoys coffee, cleaning her apartment, cats, and nibbling on pencils.
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