Skip to main content
Tag

cannabinoids

What Are Terpenes & Why Are They Important?

What Are Terpenes & Why Are They Important?

By Cannabis 101

What Are Terpenes & Why Are They Important?

 

Terpenes are naturally occuring organic compounds found in plants. They are responsible for the smell of most plants, fruits, herbs, etc., including cannabis.

Different amounts and combinations of terpenes are unique to every plant. In nature, a plant’s smell is used to both attract and repel insects and animals. For example, a foul-smelling fruit may discourage animals from eating it, while a sweet smelling flower will attract pollinators.

Terpenes vs. Cannabinoids What Are Terpenes?

Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes do not directly contribute to making you feel “high.” But, some terpenes are still considered to be psychoactive because they can affect your brain. While terpenes are responsible for the smell of the plant, some may also affect your brain in a similar way to cannabinoids. The difference is that they are not processed by our bodies in the same way.

Humans brains have their own internal endocannabinoid systems that we use to maintain homeostasis. This system also allows us to process cannabinoids through a network of neurotransmitters and receptors.

For example, THC is a cannabinoid that activates the CB1 receptors in our brain. On the contrast, the cannabinoid CBD restricts activity in the CB1 receptors and also binds to other parts of the body, including 12 targets in the brain alone.

The entourage effect is the theory that terpenes will affect the experience of your high. It works like aromatherapy. Scents from different plant-based essential oils can impact a person’s mood. So while they may not directly be responsible for making you feel “high,” they can certainly play a role in the effects you feel from THC.

In summary, terpenes act as the wheels of a bus, while cannabinoids are the driver. The terpenes aid in the effects that are made possible by the cannabinoid content.

 

The Most Common Terpenes

α-Bisabolol What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Floral, Pepper, Wood

Alpha Bisabolol is an essential oil commonly used in cosmetics as a skin soothing agent. It occurs naturally in chamomile and sage. Some research has also shown that Bisabolol may reduce the risk of gastric damage caused by anti-inflammatory drugs.

Camphene What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Wet, Pine, Woodsy, Earthy

Camphene is very common in cannabis, though it is rarely the most prominant terpene. It is widely appreciated for its ability to fight infections and inflammation, while alleviating stress. Research also supports its antifungal and antiviral properties.

β-Caryophyllene

Aromas: Sharp, Spice, Sweet, Wood

Beta Caryophyllene is known for its wide variety of potential physical and mental health benefits. CB2 receptors are targeted when treating pain & inflammation with cannabis, and this terpene has a unique ability to bind to them. It is FDA-approved for use in food & is found in black pepper, cinnamon and basil.

Geraniol What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Floral, Sugar, Rose

Geraniol shows an ability to fight free radicals, giving it an antioxidant, antitumor and anticancer properties. Studies have shown that it improves cells’ response to chemotherapy treatment. It’s pleasant scent also lends it to use in many perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning agents and more. 

Guaiol What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Pine, Wood, Rose

Guaiol has been long-trusted as a natural fever treater and pain killer, and its anti-inflammatory properties are associated with treating the discomfort caused by arthritis. Guaiol is also a diuretic, meaning it may even lower blood pressure. Side effects of this terpene may worsen anxiety symptoms.

α-Humulene

Aromas: Herbal, Spice, Woody, Earthy

Commonly found in ginseng, ginger and hops, Humulene has been used in natural health practices for hundreds of years due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been reported to act as an appetite suppressant.

Limonene

Aromas: Citrus, Lemon, Herbal

Limonene is the second most common terpene in nature and can also be found in citrus rinds. It has antioxidant properties and is used in topical products to allow other chemical compounds to pass through the skin faster.

Linalool

Aromas: Floral, Herbal, Lavender

Linalool is known for its strong calming effects and is used to treat patients with Epilepsy. It is found in rosewood, coriander, lavender, and over 200 species of plants across the world. It has sedative properties and may help alleviate the symptoms of stress and and anxiety.

β-Myrcene

Aromas: Earthy, Musk, Cloves

Beta Myrcene can be found in parsley, mangoes and hops. It is known to enhance both the mental effects of THC and the health benefits of CBD. Myrcene is a good option for adding an overall boost of relaxation to your experience.

Nerolidol

Aromas: Floral, Sweet, Fruity

Widely used as a perfume in cosmetics and cleaners, Nerolidol contributes to the scents of plants such as ginger, lavender, lemongrass and tea tree. It acts as an anti-microbial and anti-fungal and is also known to help consumers sleep.

Ocimene

Aromas: Sweet, Herbal, Woodsy

While Ocimene may cause coughing when inhaled, it also possesses several therapeutic benefits, including anti-convulsant, anti-fungal and anti-tumor and decongestant properties. Research has shown that when paired with Pinene, Ostimene may help manage and prevent certain types of diabetes and hypertension.

Phytol What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Grass, Balsamic

Phytol has strong sedative effects and is frequently used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Recent studies have shown Phytol to be an effective treatment against tumors and inflammation.

α-Pinene

Aromas: Pine, Rosemary

Alpha Pinene is an anti-microbial compound named after its strong scent of pine trees. It is most known for combatting the memory loss caused by THC use. Many consumers report a boost of energy and brain function when consuming strains high in this terpene.

β-Pinene

Aromas: Earthy, Basil, Parsley

Beta Pinene is one of the two compounds that make up Pinene. This terpene has more of a spice to it than its alpha counterpart, and can be found in hops and cumin. Beta Pinene shares many similar cognitive effects as Alpha Pinene.

Terpinolene

Aromas: Citrus, Lemon, Pine, Wood

Terpinolene is known for its antioxidant, antiseptic, anti fungal and antibiotic properties. Users report feeling an uplifting and energizing effect from this terpene. When combined with Linalool, it exhibits more sedative effects.

Valencene What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Sweet, Citrus

Studies have shown Valencene to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, in addition to neuroprotective effects. It also acts as an effective skin protectant, and studies have shown that it may improve cells’ response to chemotherapy treatment.

 

Savor The Terps

What are Concentrates?

Concentrates, oils and extracts, also known as “dabs,” are products that have been processed to extract both cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant while removing excess plant material. Because of this, concentrates have a much larger concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes than flower alone.

Check out our blog article to learn more about the different types of concentrates available on the market.

However, you don’t need to smoke dabs to enjoy terpenes. Other options include tinctures, topicals and edibles.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Today

Terpene-rich concentrates are just one of the products Smyth Cannabis Co. is proud to produce. Our concentrates are made with our own hand-trimmed flower grown right here in Lowell, MA. Located right off of I-495, our adult-use dispensary offers the highest quality cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles and more.

Whether you’re already a terpene fiend or just getting started, our friendly budtenders will help you find a product with a terpene profile you’ll love. Visit us today!

 


It is important to note that the above information is for educational use only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Smyth Cannabis Co. does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the above information. Individual results will vary. All Smyth Cannabis Co. products are grown for recreational use and do not claim to possess any medical benefits. Smyth Cannabis Co. is a recreational-only dispensary and does not employe medical professionals. Consult your physician before using cannabis for any medical purpose.

Cannabinoids 101

Cannabinoids 101

By Cannabis 101

Cannabinoids 101

 

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring organic compounds found in the cannabis plant. These active compounds produce the drug-like bodily effects associated with weed use. They are responsible for making you feel “high,” whether it be psychoactively, through bodily relaxation or both. Cannabinoids are broken down into the following classes:

  • Cannabigerols (CBG)
  • Cannabichromenes (CBC)
  • Cannabidiol (CBD)
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
  • Cannabinol (CBN)
  • Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
  • Other Cannabinoids Including Cannabicyclol (CBL), Cannabielsoin (CBE) & Cannabitriol (CBT)

TAC, or total active cannabinoids, is a sum of all of the active compounds of a weed strain. It accounts for more than just THC and CBD, the two most well known ones.

Endocannabinoid System

The human body has its own internal endocannabinoid system that exists even without the use of cannabis products. Naturally occurring endocannabinoids in the body interact with enzymes and receptors to regulate several bodily functions.

For example, THC is a cannabinoid that activates the CB1 receptors in our brain. On the contrast, the cannabinoid CBD restricts activity in the CB1 receptors and also binds to other parts of the body, including 12 targets in the brain alone.

The Most Common Cannabinoids

△9THC (Delta 9 THC) | Tetrahydrocannabinol

Pain Relief, Increased Appetite, Nausea Relief, Antioxidant, Muscle Relaxation & Spasm Relief

THC, the most common cannabinoid present in weed, is also by far the most well-known. In addition, this compound acts as a mild painkiller, and is responsible for the head high effects of marijuana.

△8THC (Delta 8 THC) | Tetrahydrocannabinol

Pain & Anxiety Relief, Increased Appetite, Nausea Relief, Neural Protection

This variant of Delta 9 THC has shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, as well as improving appetite, with a lower psychotropic potency than that of Delta 9 THC. Along with its painkilling properties, it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and protect neurons. As a result, this makes it helpful in treatment of conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, and Multiple Sclerosis, among others.

THCa | Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

Anti-Inflammation, Slows Cancer Cell Growth, Nausea Relief, Neural Protection

THCa is the main component of raw cannabis, contained within the trichomes. THCa is converted to Delta 9 THC when it is burned, vaporized or otherwise heated up.

THCv | Tetrahydrocannabivarin Uncommon Cannabinoids

Anxiety Relief, Regulation of Blood Sugar, Appetite Suppressant

THCv is a minor cannabinoid only found in some strains. In short, THCv produces very different effects than THC, including less panic attacks, appetite suppression and bone growth.

CBC | Cannabichromene

Anti-Inflammation, Slows Cancer Cell Growth, Pain Relief, Neural Protection, Acne Improvement

CBC is known for its antifungal properties, as well as it’s ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, slow the growth of cancer cells and help bone growth. Further, the effects of CBC increase dramatically when absorbed alongside THC.

CBD | Cannabidiol The Most Popular Cannabinoids

Anxiety Relief, Nausea Relief, Muscle Relaxation, Drowsiness, Antioxidant, Pain Relief, Decrease in Seizures & Spasms

CBD has tremendous potential medical uses, especially when an ideal ratio of CBD to THC is used to treat certain conditions. On its own, CBD does not produce a head high. It is widely used to treat seizures, and research suggests that it may also help slow the growth of tumors.

CBDa | Cannabidiolic Acid

Anti-Inflammatory, Slows Cancer Cell Growth, Relieves Nausea, Reduces Anxiety

Similar to THCa, CBDa is the main component of raw cannabis containing high levels of CBD. CBDa selectively inhibits enzymes that contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of weed.

CBDv | Cannabidivarin

Anti-Convulsant

Recent studies suggest CBDv has potential for use in the management of Epilepsy.

CBG | Cannabigerol

Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Slows Cancer Cell Growth

The anti-bacterial effects of CBG can alter the overall effects of cannabis. For example, CBG is known to slowly reduce the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation, delay growth of cancerous tumor cells and promote bone growth with no head high.

CBGA | Cannabigerolic Acid

Anti-Inflammatory, Neural Protection, Slows Cancer Cell Growth

CBGa is formed when two organic compounds contained in the cannabis plant (olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate) are combined. In addition, CBGa is a crucial building block in forming THCa, CBDa, CBCa and CBG.

CBN | Cannabinol

Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Convulsant, Drowsiness

To clarify, CBN is not produced by metabolism within the cannabis plant and is instead produced as the result of the breakdown of THC. It is not psychoactive on its own, but when absorbed alongside THC and CBD, has mildly psychoactive effects. Above all, the breakdown of THC into CBN creates a powerful sleep aid, responsible for the “couch lock” feeling you may be familiar with. In addition, CBN is potentially useful in treating burns as it reduces thermal sensitivity.

Cannabinoids vs. Terpenes

Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes are not active chemicals. Terpenes makeup the smell and flavor profile of the plant and are not processed by the body the same way as cannabinoids. To sum it up, the entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids work together alongside terpenes to yield effects that are unique to that combination of compounds. It is the reason why you may have a completely different experience using two different strains with a similar TAC number.

In short, cannabinoids act as the driver of a bus, while terpenes are the wheels. The terpenes aid in the effects that are made possible by the cannabinoid content.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Today

Smyth Cannabis Co. products are made with our own hand-trimmed flower grown right here in Lowell, MA. Our 15,000 square foot cannabis growing facility is controlled to the last detail. Our flower is always properly cured and hand trimmed for quality, and we grow dozens of strains at maximum strength and efficiency. Located right off of I-495, our adult-use dispensary offers the highest quality products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more.

Whether you’re an experienced user or just getting started, our team of friendly budtenders will help you find a strain best suited for you. Visit us in Lowell or check out our menu online to see what’s available today!


It is important to note that the above information is for educational use only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Smyth Cannabis Co. does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the above information. Individual results will vary. All Smyth Cannabis Co. products are grown for recreational use and do not claim to possess any medical benefits. Smyth Cannabis Co. is a recreational-only dispensary and does not employe medical professionals. Consult your physician before using cannabis for any medical purpose.

Which Smyth Cannabis Strain is Right For Me?

By Products, Strains

Which Smyth Cannabis Strain is Right For Me?

 
Smyth Cannabis Co. products are made with our own hand-trimmed flower grown right here in Lowell, MA. Our 15,000 square foot cannabis growing facility is controlled to the last detail. Our flower is always properly cured and hand trimmed for quality, and we grow dozens of strains at maximum strength and efficiency.

Unsure which strain to choose? Take this easy online quiz for a fast recommendation!

Loading...

This questionnaire is for entertainment purposes only. This questionnaire and any of its recommended products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Smyth Cannabis Co. products are for recreational use only by adults over the age of 21.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Today

Whether you’re an experienced user or just getting started, our team of friendly budtenders will help you find a strain best suited for you. Located right off of I-495, our adult-use dispensary offers the highest quality products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more.

Visit us in Lowell or check out our menu online to see what’s available today!