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What are terpenes and why you should consider them when choosing the right strain for you?

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Publicado por: Atomik Seeds

Did your last batch of cannabis smell different? Wondering where that earthy pungent smell come from? You have terpenes to thank for it. Terpenes are the compounds present in cannabis that gives it a distinct smell, be it sweet, fruity, or pungent. While their presence is found majorly in all the plants, they play a significant role in cannabis strains as well. Read on to find out how terpenes can enhance your cannabis experience.

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All about terpenes

While cannabinoids have been the talk of the town for a few years, now terpenes are expected to occupy the center stage. Terpenoids, terpenes, or even terps, no matter what you call them, are an extensive class of hydrocarbons that you can find in a majority of the plants. It is these organic compounds that produce a strong odor to keep the predators away from the plants. So, terpenes can do much more than just adding an aroma in plants.

There are over a thousand terpenes that you can find in plants, and among them are a few that are present only in cannabis. The glands in the cannabis plant, which produces the cannabinoids are also responsible for the production of terpenes.

What do terpenes do?

If we haven’t stressed enough already on it, terpenes are significant in determining your experience with cannabis. Here are three ways in which terpenes can be helpful for you:

1. Add taste and flavor: It is not just the aroma that cannabis gets from terpenes, but it's also the taste. While some cannabis strains smell and taste citrusy, some can be spicy or even earthy. They tend to influence how you experience the taste and high of cannabis. Terpenes can be the deciding factor if you like a particular batch of cannabis or not. It wouldn’t be wrong to call terpenes nature’s spice kit.

2. Medicinal significance of terpenes: The medicinal properties of terpenes were the only speculation until a few years ago. However, recent research and therapeutic advancement went on to prove that almost all the terpenes that are present in cannabis are analgesic. Terpenes can be responsible for the anti-pain and anti-inflammation properties of cannabis. It is due to this quality that terpenes have become a significant part of natural healing therapies like aromatherapy.

3. Protects the plant: While it may not be a benefit for you, terpenes protect cannabis plants by keeping infections and pests at bay. Not only that, terpenes can even safeguard the cannabis leaves from the harsh UV sun rays.

4. Heightened entourage effect: Cannabis contains over a hundred cannabinoids, out of which CBD and THC are well-known to us. When you consider them separately, both have their therapeutic role to play. But, when they combine, their healing effect multiplies many times. The science fraternity calls it the “Entourage Effect.” Similarly, terpenes act as a catalyst to cannabinoids like CBD. When they combine, they enhance the healing properties of cannabis. Terpenes also ensure that the cannabinoids travel faster inside your bloodstream and then reach the affected body part and relax it naturally. Moreover, when CBD and terpenes join hands, they take down the psychoactive effects of THC, keeping you away from the feeling of high and the memory loss that comes with it. If you wish to reap in the benefits of terpenes in a more organic way, you can grow your plants, with the help of the complete kits from A Pot for Pot.

Should you consider terpenes while choosing strains?

Be it an excellent high or dealing with pain, cannabis can do it all for you, but only if you select the right terpenes. There are a few terpenes that will specifically help you relax, and there are others that can help combat debilitating pain. If you are unaware about it, here are a few you can begin from:

1. Linalool: Linalool is a very prominent terpene that you can find in more than 200 types of plants. Cannabis gets its relaxing properties and a mix of spicy-floral aroma from Linalool. It is primarily used to treat stress-related disorders like anxiety and depression.

Strains with Linalool: OG Shark, Amnesia Haze

2. Limonene: Limonene is responsible for the citrusy and fruity smell of cannabis. It is present in abundance in cannabis, although not many plants have this terpene. You can use limonene to cure fungus and infection.

Strains with Limonene: Sour Diesel, OG Kush

3. Pinene: Pinene is as essential for humans as it is for the plants. While it protects the plants from pests, it can act as an anti-inflammatory agent for you. Cannabis is rich in alpha-pinene, a type of pinene terpene.

Strains with Pinene: Strawberry Cough, Blue Dream

4. Caryophyllene: The earthy, spicy, and woody scent of cannabis is due to the presence of caryophyllene in it. This terpene performs the same function for cinnamon and black pepper. Caryophyllene can help you in tackling against stress and anxiety.

Strains with Caryophyllene: Skywalker, Rockstar

5. Myrcene: Myrcene is an important terpene that you can find in cannabis. Wonder why it is so important? Well, it is the amount of this terpene that can determine if cannabis is a Sativa or indica strain. If there is more than 0.5% of myrcene present in the cannabis plant, it is Sativa. If the myrcene content is lower than 0.5%, it is an indica strain.

Strains with Myrcene: Skunk XL, White Widow, Special Kush

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Final thoughts

Terpenes are the underdogs of the cannabis world, who are slowly rising to the position of fame. It’s not just because of the recent research around terpenes but also due to the innumerable therapeutic effects it offers. While all the information about strains and terpenes can be overwhelming, think about what you like and start experimenting. If you are looking for a strong strain with a fruity flavor, we recommend mauie wowie. Read more about the mauie wowie strain information and enjoy the benefits of cannabis.

Author’s Bio

Tammy is a cannabis and health industry consultant who frequently writes about the latest trends in the industry. She has been writing for a long time now. Through her writing, she hopes to influence as many people as possible to help maintain better health and lifestyle. She is reachable at tammy@cannabismails.com

Publicado en: Cultivando

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