What Are Terpenes and How Do They Affect Your High?

The cannabis industry has seen exponential growth in recent years, driven by increasing interest in both recreational and medical cannabis. Hence, as more people explore cannabis’s wellness uses, understanding the role of various chemical compounds in the cannabis plant becomes crucial. Among these compounds, terpenes stand out due to their significant influence on the cannabis experience [1]. This article explores the definition of terpenes, their importance in cannabis, and how terpenes may affect your high.

Understand the nature of terpenes

Terpenes, aka terps, are a class of aromatic compounds found in a wide variety of plant species, including cannabis. These volatile compounds comprise the distinctive scents and flavors of many plants, such as citrus fruits, lavender, and pine trees. Regarding cannabis, terpenes play a vital role in defining the aroma and taste of different cannabis strains. Also, beyond their olfactory appeal, some individuals have proposed that terpenes may possess therapeutic properties. However, researchers have yet to draw conclusions about the potential medicinal effects of terpenes [1].

Chemically speaking, terpenes occur naturally in the essential oils of plants and comprise hydrogen atoms arranged in various configurations of isoprene units. The simplest form, monoterpenes, consists of two isoprene units, while more complex forms, such as sesquiterpenes and diterpenes, have additional isoprene units. As a result, this structural diversity contributes to the wide range of aromas and effects associated with cannabis and other plants [1].

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Cannabis terpenes and their types

Theoretically, cannabis terpenes interact with cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, and enhance or modify the effects of cannabis. This phenomenon, known as the entourage effect, highlights the importance of the potential interplay between terpenes and cannabinoids in bolstering the overall effects of cannabis.

Some of the most common cannabis terpenes and proposed effects include:

Myrcene: Known for its musky, earthy scent, myrcene is the most prevalent terpene in cannabis. Some cannabis users anecdotally report that myrcene enhances the psychoactive effect of THC, but researchers have differing opinions about this theory [2].
Limonene: With a strong citrus aroma, limonene infuses citrus fruits and is used in aromatherapy for its mood-elevating and anti-anxiety effects elicited by its calming aroma [3].
Pinene: As the name suggests, pinene has a pine-like scent. Regarding potential medicinal properties, cough drop and cold medicine manufacturers sometimes use pinene to elicit potentially beneficial bronchodilator effects. However, more research is needed to determine its efficacy in cannabis [4].
Linalool: Commonly found in lavender essential oil, linalool has a floral aroma and is known for its calming scent. Based on aromatherapy principles it may, in turn, have potentially calming properties [5].
Caryophyllene: This spicy, peppery terpene interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system, making it unique in this respect [6].
Terpinolene: This less common terpene has a sweet, floral, and herbal aroma and is touted for its sedative properties. However, the scientific community has not fully answered the question of whether or not it encourages sedation when the source is cannabis [7].

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Terpenes’ role in the cannabis experience

Theories about how terpenes alter the effects of cannabis abound. Notably, different strains of cannabis have unique terpene profiles. Some researchers suggest the various ways each terpene may contribute to a strain’s distinct effects and potential wellness benefits. For example, some pose that strains high in myrcene may have more sedative properties, making it suitable for nighttime use, while a strain rich in limonene might be more uplifting and energizing [8]. However, other researchers maintain that these proposed outcomes need more rigorous research to be conclusive [9].

Furthermore, the argument about the potential cannabis synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids extends beyond just enhancing the high. For example, some researchers maintain that terpenes also contribute to the overall wellness benefits of cannabis. However, theories about certain terpenes having anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving properties, potentially making them beneficial for certain chronic conditions, remain controversial [9]. Even so, other terpenes, like linalool and limonene, have shown potential benefits in aromatherapy regarding their ability to reduce anxiety and stress through their calming aromas.

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The controversy around how these compounds affect the human body

The debate surrounding how terpenes may affect a cannabis high, as well as their potential medicinal benefits, lies in the complexity of their interaction with both cannabinoids and the body. While many cannabis strains boast unique terpene profiles that may contribute to their distinctive effects, the precise mechanism through which terpenes influence the resulting effects remains under debate. For example, some researchers argue that terpenes found in cannabis act both as powerful aroma agents and play a critical role in the entourage effect. As such, they maintain the combined effect of cannabinoids and terpenes produces a more significant impact than individual compounds alone. However, critics point out that the variability in terpene profiles among different cannabis strains makes it challenging to isolate their specific contributions, leading to inconsistent findings across studies [9].

Moreover, the medicinal benefits of terpenes are another area of contention. While evidence exists suggesting that common terpenes such as myrcene, limonene, and pinene have some therapeutic properties, skeptics argue that most terpenes have been studied primarily in isolation or in plant extracts other than cannabis. This raises questions about whether the potential medicinal benefits observed in these studies translate directly to cannabis use. In other words, they question whether cannabis use, where the presence of other cannabinoids combine with the unique chemical environment of the cannabis plant, may indeed alter their effects in the same ways as in the studies. Consequently, more rigorous research is needed to fully understand how cannabinoids and terpenes interact and to validate the potential health benefits of the terpenes found in cannabis [9].

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Production and preservation

Terpene production in cannabis plants employs several factors, including the plant genome, environmental conditions, and cultivation practices. In other words, different strains have varying levels of terpenes, determined by how the cannabis is grown, harvested, and processed [10].

Thus, to maximize the benefits of terpenes in cannabis products, growers and manufacturers must preserve preserve integrity. Indeed, terpenes are delicate compounds and can lose potency to heat, light, and improper storage. Interestingly, terpene enthusiasts often recommend vaping over smoking as a consumption method because it can better preserve the terpene content. Moreover, proper storage in a cool, dark place helps maintain the terpene profiles of cannabis products [10].

Do terpenes have medicinal benefits?

Clearly, terpenes have benefits according to aromatherapy practitioners. However, arguments persist about the potential medicinal benefits of terpenes and how they may interact with cannabinoids. Though some researchers are not convinced, others suggest many terpenes demonstrate therapeutic properties in their own right. For example, some theories propose they may have:

Anti-inflammatory: In some studies, terpenes like pinene and caryophyllene have shown anti-inflammatory effects, making them potentially useful [11].
Anti-anxiety: In line with the relaxing effects of aromatherapy, linalool and limonene may help some people with finding calm [5].
Pain relief: Some researchers suggest myrcene and caryophyllene have pain-relieving properties [12]. However, others argue these studies are not conclusive.
Antibacterial properties: Some researchers claim that terpenes, such as pinene and caryophyllene, may possess antibacterial properties. However, others claim these reports do not contain enough evidence to prove efficacy [13].

These potential medicinal properties suggest that terpenes may be valuable not only in cannabis use but also in the broader context of natural medicine and aromatherapy. However, the research is inconclusive and needs further study to prove efficacy in these regards. Thus, cannabis users who seek medicinal effects should proceed with objectivity and consult a medical professional for customized treatments.

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The future of terpene research

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, research into the role of terpenes in cannabis must expand for a broader perspective. Understanding how terpenes enhance and modulate the effects of cannabinoids could lead to the development of more targeted and effective cannabis products. For example, specific terpene profiles could be potentially tailored to produce desired effects, such as pain relief, relaxation, or increased focus.

Moreover, exploring terpenes derived from other plants and their incorporation into cannabis products could further enhance cannabis’s therapeutic and medicinal uses. Thus, the study of terpenes in cannabis and other plants holds promise for new treatments and a deeper understanding of the molecular sciences behind plant-based medicine [14].

Key takeaway: how do terpenes affect your experience?

In summary, terpenes are essential oils found in cannabis and other plants that play a crucial role in defining the aroma, flavor, and, possibly, the effects of various cannabis strains. They may not only be responsible for the distinctive scents of cannabis but may also contribute to the entourage effect, potentially enhancing the wellness and psychoactive properties of cannabinoids [1]. As research into terpenes and their potential health benefits continues, the future of terpene-rich cannabis products looks promising, offering new possibilities for both medical and recreational cannabis users.

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Medical Disclaimer / Legal Disclaimer – Information is provided for educational purposes. It does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice or medical advice. We attempt to be accurate and up-to-date, but the legality of cannabinoids and the science of cannabis are evolving. The author is neither a legal professional nor a medical expert. Before buying or using any products, you should check with your local authorities and medical providers.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What are cannabis terpenes?

Cannabis terpenes are aromatic compounds found in the cannabis plant that give each strain its unique scent and flavor. These terpenes play a role in the plant’s defense mechanisms and may influence the user’s experience [1].

How do terpenes affect the high?

Terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, theoretically contributing to the entourage effect. This interaction can potentially enhance or modify the psychoactive and wellness properties of the cannabis strain [1].

How can I identify the terpenes in a cannabis strain?

You can learn about the typical terpene profile of a strain from guides, and identify the terpenes in a specific cannabis strain by looking at lab reports provided by reputable dispensaries. These reports often include detailed terpene profiles. Additionally, the strain’s distinct aroma can give clues about its dominant terpenes, as each terpene has a unique scent. For example, limonene may smell citrus-like or pinene may possess hints of pine [3,4].