Terpenes are associated mainly with the effects of cannabis strains as well as the smell and flavor of cannabis strains. Terpenes are what give cannabis a strong lemony scent, or a very floral scent that reminds you of lavender. Terpenes are also associated with effects, and some terpenes make you feel more relaxed and sedated while some terpenes have exceptionally uplifting effects. Understanding different terpenes can help you further fine-tune your experience when you are choosing your strains. If you know you enjoy the heavy relaxing effects, you may be drawn to strains that expel berry or floral scents. However, if you like something with a little kick for a good wake-and-bake, you may be inclined to choose a strain with strong citrus notes.
What terpenes occur naturally in cannabis?
-β-myrcene: High levels of β-myrcene are associated with couch-lock effects and tend to be present in high levels in indicas; typical levels of β-myrcene in sativas is 0.05% or less (SteepHill.com). Strains high in β-myrcene include Pure Kush and Skunk #1 (Leafly.com).
-α-pinene: α-pinene has a sharp sweet odor associated with turpentine, orange peel, and pine trees (SteepHill.com). α-pinene is also associated also with memory retention (Leafly.com). High-pinene strains include Jack Herer, Chemdawg, and Bubba Kush (Leafly.com).
-D-limonene: D-limonene has a strong citrus odor and bitter taste that is associated with uplifting, happy effects (SteepHill.com). OG Kush, Super Lemon Haze, Jack the Ripper, and Lemon Skunk are all high in D-Limonene (Leafly.com).
-β-linalool: β-linalool gives off a floral smell that gives lavender its scent; is associated with relaxing effects in cannabis (SteepHill.com). G-13, Amnesia Haze, Lavender, and LA Confidential typically have high levels of β-linalool (Leafly.com).
-α-humulene: Many sativa strains carry high levels of α-humulene, which has a strong “hoppy” odor and is known for suppressing appetite, which is great if you are particularly susceptible to the munchies (SteepHill.com). White Widow, Girl Scout Cookies, and Headband are all high in α-humulene.
Interestingly, terpenes have more of an effect on our high than we think. While most cannabis consumers are concerned with THC levels, the real gamechanger comes down to the different terpenes present in a given strain. Because terpenes also determine the type of cannabinoids we experience in a strain, it is important to keep note of what flavors and scents you notice on strains you particularly enjoy (or particularly dislike, so you do not try that type again). Use this wheel, created by Leafly, to pinpoint your desired effects for the next time you shop with us at Marijuana Mart!
We have lots of terpy selections, but the few listed below have rather remarkable levels of terpenes:
- Black Russian – Dream City (2.87% α-humulene, 1.02% β-myrcene)
- Cascadia Kush Wax – TorchWaxx (8.8% total terpenes)
- Panda Pens – Phat Panda (While the terpene tests are not shown, all Panda Pens have a terpene profile of 15-20%, including fruit terpenes)
Stop in and ask us more about terpenes and what they mean for you as a consumer! We are constantly getting new products and are on the lookout especially for products boasting high terpene counts.
SOURCES
Rahn, B. Terpenes: The Flavors of Cannabis Aromatherapy. Retrieved December 11, 2016 from https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy/.
Terpenes. Retrieved December 11, 2016 from https://steephill.com/science/terpenes.