We can likely assume that you’ve heard about all the cannabis rage that is bursting through the holistic health and wellness doors on the daily.
With the increasing talk about the cannabis plant and its potential therapeutic benefits, more and more people have shown increase in knowing all there is to know about this magical herb.
This need and curiosity for knowledge has people not only talking about the cannabinoids and flavonoids present in cannabis, but also the beautiful terpenes inside.
Not too long ago, people weren’t too familiar with the term “terpenes”. Even if people were cannabis users or supporters, most didn’t really know they were experiencing the effects of terpenes.
To no surprise, terpenes are quickly becoming a hot topic for those interested in cannabis and cannabinoid products.
What are Cannabis Terpenes?
Well, first things first, terpenes are aromatic oils that give cannabis its variety and distinctive flavors, such as mint, pine, and citrus.
These organic, naturally-occurring compounds are what cause each cannabis strain to possess different scents.
There are well over 100+ terepenes that have been discovered in the cannabis plant, so far. Each terpene develops in the same glands that produce cannabinoids, such as where tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are produced.
Each and every strain of cannabis has a unique terpene composition and type. For example, you can find a strain with terpenes that give cannabis an almost “cheese-like”smell. This distinct scent may have cheese connoisseurs salivating at the mouth in seconds. You can also find cannabis strains that smell like blueberries, another scrumptious scent that users are commonly drawn to.
This is a huge breath of fresh air for those who are wanting variety to choose from in the cannabis world – there may be something for everyone (and maybe your pup too)!
Beyond just the unique aromas of different cannabis varieties, terpenes also provide so much more.
Similar to other plants, the cannabis plant naturally creates terpenes as a defense mechanism – repelling away insects.
Various factors can influence the development of cannabis terpenes, such as:
- Fertilizers used
- Climate
- Weather
- Maturation
- Time of day
- Soil Type
Why are Terpenes Important?
Think of puzzle pieces: once you find which one connects to which, you can clink them together, adding to the bigger picture. You can think of terpenes in this way! Terpenes bind to the receptors in the brain, influencing the effects and health benefits an individual may experience.
The characteristics of terpenes are super interesting, but more importantly, what terpenes do when they are combined with other cannabinoids is stellar.
